We are closing Lassen News — but Feather Publishing is here to stay
First, we would like to thank those of you who have supported Feather Publishing and Lassen News over the years. Whether it was in paper format or digital, we hope that in some way we made an impact on your life. We have read every word you have shared since the decision was made to stop publishing Lassen News. What has stood out is that you relied on us for current, up-to-date information regarding our communities, but this has become an almost impossible task.
There has been a lot of speculation as to the reasoning behind this decision and most of you have expressed a belief that it was financial. While the pandemic and the Dixie fire did impact us, there is so much more that goes into publishing a paper/website. Over the past few years, our staff has diminished to just a few members. Like most businesses today, it has proven difficult to fill these positions with people who have the skills and the desire to put in the time required to create a publication. Whether it is a board meeting, a sporting event, a disaster or a celebration, someone must cover it and our team has worked tirelessly to provide that information. This is a 24/7 operation and frankly, we are tired. The stress that it has placed on our staff is taking a toll on their health and it is simply not worth the sacrifice.
Many have asked why we don’t charge for subscriptions. During the fire and the pandemic, we felt it was more important to provide accurate information and ensure the safety of our community. By charging a fee, we believed we would be leaving out members of our community and that everyone deserved to have access to news in a timely manner. Our advertisers have carried the weight of ensuring that everyone had access. It would take 10,000 subscribers to meet payroll alone. That does not cover the addition of staff that is necessary to take the burden off of those who have worked so tirelessly. While we appreciate the generosity of you all, that is not the solution. To charge for subscriptions increases the expectations of the consumer. This puts even more stress on our staff.
So, what then is the solution? That remains to be seen. There is more to writing news than putting words on paper. The time required to investigate and ensure accuracy must be factored in. To publish without verifying facts would not be journalism.
Feather Publishing is still alive and well and we look forward to supplying you with High Country Life, The Dining Guide, The Visitor Guide, maps, etc. We will also continue to provide all of your commercial printing needs such as business cards, letterhead, envelopes, newsletters and forms.
It has been our privilege to serve you, and now our families are looking forward to spending much needed time with us.
