The Ann Arbor Independent—First time in over 110 years the city has a locally owned weekly newspaper

WELCOME TO The Ann Arbor Independent. For the first time in over 110 years Ann Arbor once again has a locally-owned weekly newspaper. The last time our city had a locally owned weekly newspaper was 1902, when the Ann Arbor Argus-Democrat was in print.

A privately held publishing group will oversee the paper’s operations. The same company purchased A2Politico.com, a local online news site launched in 2009.

A2Politico has earned praise for its reporting from the Columbia Journalism Review which wrote that the site provided Ann Arbor with “accountability journalism.” Nonprofit Michigan news site Bridge Magazine, founded by former University of Michigan regent Phil Powers, included A2Politico among its list of the most influential news blogs in Michigan.

Patricia Lesko founded A2Politico.com in 2009 and will serve as The Ann Arbor Independent’s Publisher.

“Like most people who work in publishing, I understand the financial benefits of digital delivery, as well as the opportunities with digital to maximize profits, grow readership and to encourage reader engagement. However, I also have 13 years of print publishing experience,” said Lesko.

In many ways, the story of The Ann Arbor Independent begins in 2009 when the Ann Arbor News became the first newspaper to be shuttered in an American city with only one daily for-profit newspaper.

“I was dismayed that New York-based Advance Publications chose to experiment with our community and launch what company officials claimed was ‘the future of local journalism,’ ” Lesko explains.

She added, “We can debate that decision, but it’s fruitless to bemoan the business decisions of the Newhouse family. It’s like complaining about how Koch Industries is run.”

By 2010 Lesko, who has two decades of publishing experience and who holds both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, saw an opportunity close to home. By 2011, A2Politico.com had tens of thousands of readers each month. The reach, influence and success of A2Politico convinced Patricia Lesko that Ann Arbor news consumers were hungry for smart, fearless, local journalism.

“Successful U.S. publishing companies innovate technologically, and produce content people find valuable,” says Lesko. “That includes local news.”

In each issue The Ann Arbor Independent will publish local and state news, interviews, features, investigative pieces, columns, photo essays, reviews, analysis and commentary—including that of readers.

Former Ann Arbor News education reporter David Jesse agrees that quality content is crucial. In an August 2012 interview with the American Journalism Review Jesse said: “In all this conversation about the dotcom, New Orleans, all of these changes, it isn’t necessarily about the delivery model – it’s about content.”

Implementing a strategy that turns the newspaper funding model on its head, local non-profits and locally-owned businesses will enjoy free advertising online, as well as in print.

“The Ann Arbor Independent will support our local economy, not ship advertiser dollars out of state,” said Lesko. “Both the Ann Arbor News and the A2Journal are owned by large out of state media companies. Michigan’s economy, Ann Arbor’s economy—The Indy will think local, report local and keep local dollars circulating in our city and state.”

Advertisers’ ads must be coupons, so The Independent’s subscribers will enjoy special discounts and giveaways.

Patricia Lesko said she views the launch of a print product in Ann Arbor as an extraordinary opportunity.

“You might ask: ‘Who does print these days?’ Then again, Warren Buffet is still investing heavily in newspapers.”

Lesko points out that Advance executives exported their digital model to New Orleans. The Advocate, launched in response, netted 24,000 subscribers during its first few months in print.

Ann Arbor’s local weekly paper will offer print/digital bundling. This is one area in the news industry where revenues are growing.

“We’ll also offer digital-only subscriptions,” says Lesko, “multiple copy and discounted student subscriptions.”

Patricia Lesko says, “Our pledge to Ann Arbor news consumers is this: We’ll invest in quality journalism for one of America’s smartest cities. Each week we’ll publish investigative reporting, intelligent analysis and thoughtful commentary subscribers will be eager to read and proud to share.”

Patricia Lesko believes Ann Arbor needs a local newspaper devoted to accountability journalism: “The Ann Arbor Independent will help readers become better informed and better educated about local, county and state government, elected officials, the public schools, our community, our economy, our arts scene and our environment. This issue’s Voter Guide is a perfect example.”

Ms. Lesko says she is confident that The Ann Arbor Independent will spark robust community conversations. She also hopes the newspaper will inspire civic activism.

Reporters from the former Ann Arbor News are planning to contribute, including government reporter Tom Gantert.

Editorial Board members include Forbes magazine columnist Kai Petainen, an Ann Arbor local, as well as John R. Floyd, III, a CPA and former City Council candidate.

“Kai is an outstanding educator, journalist and researcher. His interest in the environment, accountability journalism as well as his commitment to progressive politics provide an excellent base from which to shape the voice of The Indy,” said Lesko. “John Floyd, a Republican who has run for Council, has a keen interest in local politics and, obviously, an expertise in finance. His commitment to our city and its success will shape the paper’s editorial voice, as well.”

The paper’s seven member Editorial Board is chaired by former Ann Arbor Board of Education member Katherine Griswold.

Subscribers will receive the newspaper weekly and have access to content online. While there is a paywall, some articles posted online will be available free of charge.

To subscribe, visit A2Indy.com and to get more information, contact Patricia Lesko at PDLesko@A2Indy.com or call 734-930-6854.