Meeting Minutes

Meeting was called to order by Shenna at 7:30am. Jack led the flag salute.

Minutes:

Matthew R. moved to accept January 22 meeting minutes, seconded by Jim M. Motion passed.

Announcements:

Peggy gave a history moment.

Program:  Andrew May announced Bill Lindstrom, author of Strait Press, and Brown Malone, owner of Radio Pacific Brown Maloney

Brown gave his background including buying the Sequim Gazette in 1988, then the Forks Foum. He sold the Gazette in 2013 to Sound Publishing. After meeting Bill Lindstrom, he decided he wanted to chronical the history of media on the Olympic Peninsula. The book includes history from Clallam and Jefferson counties and 140 pictures.

Bill went to the State Library more than 50 times for research, interviewed 64 people, and said 84 newspapers are chronicled in the book, 43 of which were in Port Angeles. Before 1916 there were 14 newspapers in PA. He talked about family names of Webster, Lauridsen, and Roosevelt who visited, then in 1938 signed the bill creating the Olympic National Park.

The Websters owned the paper for 55 years and Charles started the precursor to Port Angeles Business Association.

Some events and stories highlighted in the book include Lady of the Lake, Sinking of Hood Canal Bridge, Arco Oil Spill, Convicted Terrorist Bound for LA International Airport, Makah Whaling, Tse-Whit-Zen Village, and Elwha Dam Removal.

Economics of the industry has taken a big hit, Brown said. Google and Facebook have taken advertising away from local journalism and throughout the country. Also, the gaming industry is a $41 billion industry now, which takes time and attention away from the news.

Newsprint industry years ago was a $51 billion industry, now it is $15 billion.

Local journalism does a little better because the community has a connection. Digital subscriptions are increasing.

Papers have historically printed based on opinion especially when it comes to elected officials. Brown said they do their best to bring in all sides.

Jim M. asked if there is a demand for substantive news.

Brown replied that demand is with the older generation, younger people look for bits and pieces.

Shenna asked how social media reporters are affecting media.

Brown said newspapers are getting people out there to cover stories. They still should have a recognizable franchise and website. People want attention and validation, vanity is hurting journalism.

Bill and Brown brought books to sell at a reduced rate., they are also available locally and online.

Upcoming Meeting:

• February 5: Kevin Russell on the state of the building industry in Clallam County

Meeting adjourned at 8:36am.