A newspaper is only as good as the conversation it creates.
A conversation can only be good if everyone has the chance to speak and be heard.
Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s are places capable and deserving of great conversations. And if all is working as it should, The Observer should be a part of them.
Unfortunately, things are not always this simple. So many people want to voice their opinion, and it is all too easy to become overwhelmed and leave the conversation, to tune out the controversies and debates and arguments. Sometimes it feels as though you could never possibly make your voice heard. Or that the point you want to make seems insignificant compared to the ideas of others.
When this happens, when people stop conversing, the community suffers. If the status quo persists only because someone is too tired or discouraged or afraid to speak up, we are failing.
At The Observer, we strive to “uncover the truth and report it accurately.” We do this because we believe we can bring more people into the conversation and make it better. Events, stories and issues that have significant impact on everyone in the community happen every day. It is the purpose of journalism, of The Observer, to bring these things to your attention.
Sometimes we fall short. Despite our commitment to uncovering the truth, the pressure of a daily deadline and the time constraints of classes occasionally cause mistakes. When this occurs, we hurt Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s and the wider community of South Bend.
I wish I could promise these errors and oversights will never happen in my time as Editor-in-Chief, but I am certain they occasionally will. And when they do, I hope you will understand.
But I also hope you are not satisfied with an imperfect conversation. I hope you can help us improve. We try our best, but no one can provide better feedback than you. So tell us what you think.
Hundreds of students, workers, administrators and faculty pass through South Dining Hall each day. I want all of you to know: The Observer’s office is in the basement, and our door is open. If you have a complaint, a suggestion, a story idea or simply want to discuss our coverage, come in. Chances are, someone will be there regardless of the hour. I can personally guarantee I will be there every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon and every Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
This will not replace the hard work our journalists put in every day to cover the events that matter to you. It will not be the only time I am available to talk. I offer it as just one tangible sign of our commitment to better serving you, the reader.
If these times do not work for you, email me. Your voice is still invaluable and I promise we will work something out. What’s important is that we give Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s what they deserve: a great conversation.
