From The Editor: Hello Oxford

A few nights ago, my dad drove to Oxford carrying the final allotment of my earthly possessions – a diverse collection of bags, blankets and plants. After he arrived, we ended up having dinner and a beer at Steinkeller, which is, as all of you know, “Oxford’s authentic German bier hall and restaurant.” We talked about recent changes in my life, such as the move, my new role at the Free Press and the journey that brought me here. For such a heavy meal and weighty conversation, I felt surprisingly light.

As I begin my chapter in Oxford, I remind myself of the ground I stand on, all 7.78 square miles of it. What makes this ground special is not a specific building, place or person; it’s the community as a whole. 

From what I have been told, this newspaper was formed solely out of passionate dedication from the community around it to have local news. I have worked here for only a week and I have already seen the beauty that Oxford presents to those who look – it’s a special place. I can’t wait to get to know this wonderful community. 

Here’s a little bit about me and some background. I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. I started my journey into media at the local newspaper I followed as I grew up, the Evanston RoundTable. I attended West Virginia University and studied a variety of subjects, from anthropology and business to art history and creative writing. But my true passion is what I majored in – journalism.

During my time in West Virginia, I rose through the ranks at my independent college newspaper, The Daily Athenaeum. Also during these three years, I focused on enhancing my visual and writing skills at a variety of publications and organizations, media formats and projects and everything in between. I have been lucky enough to contribute to a variety of media. This has led me to realize just how important community-based, local news and independent, nonprofit media is. 

In our day and age, local, nonprofit, independent media is what separates truth from fiction. This idea of a journalist is what I aspire to be – community-oriented, informative and a valuable part of my community. This is what I was raised to follow, believe and strive for in my daily life. It’s these ideals I promise to you.

I pledge to you – the people of Oxford – my undivided attention and my flawless commitment to address your needs, inform you of the truth and be a pillar to the community. 

Additionally, I won’t ignore the pretty massive elephant in the room – the uncertainty of the media nowadays. With this uncertainty comes fears and mistrust of the news. I could go on and on talking about filter bubbles, polarization and how important it is to watch what you read in the news, but that is why we have Dr. Richard Campbell’s “Media Matters” column – an excellent one, at that – and one of many that the Oxford Free Press shares weekly. 

What I am trying to say is that these fears should not be taken seriously here. As readers and supporters of the Oxford Free Press, you aren’t only safe from these anxieties, you are a part of the fight against them. Every time you pick up one of our papers, read one of our stories or send us a story idea, you help build community, trust and acceptance in your town in a time that desperately needs it. 

We are all part of the ground we stand on – each and every one of you – and that’s the ground I am proud to stand on too.

So, hello Oxford. This is Aidan Cornue, signing on.