Dear readers, advertisers, and supporters of Capital Region Independent Media,

During the holiday season, I like to reflect on the many blessings I have been provided in my life and thank the powers and people who have been responsible for my good fortune.   This brief note is an expression of my appreciation.

When I began this journey to found CRIM five short years ago, it was with the idea that local journalism was valuable and worth saving.  And looking at the landscape of the owners/stewards of these historic community newspapers, it became obvious that they were battling storms on a number of fronts.  Thanks to so many people in my life–friends, family and professionals too numerous to single out here, I began a mission to try and do my part and save these publications  and help them transform into a new age.  By doing so, I felt strongly that I would be helping local communities preserve not only their history, but also strengthen these communities for the future.  

Many have written extensively about study after study that shows how important preserving local newspapers/media is, and the myriad of benefits which come from avoiding news deserts which have sprung up all over the nation by the closure of local newspapers/media outlets.   No need to rehash them here in a holiday greeting note.  But I do feel so much more confident in our future locally that we will avoid that fate.  And that’s thanks to so many of you who have subscribed to our publications/websites/newsletters and supported us with your advertising.  And hundreds of you have outright donated to support local journalism, which is very humbling and appreciated as well.

I am deeply grateful and honored to help carry on the rich history of these publications we now operate, and very confident that 2024 will be an even better year for preserving them into the future.

I wish you and yours a merry Christmas and happy holiday season!

Mark P Vinciguerra
President
Capital Region Independent Media