Letter to our readers

Dear Readers,

In the summer of 1850, when the first pioneers in Utah were just gaining a foothold in these arid mountain valleys, they made the effort to publish a newspaper. Although the very basics of life were scarce, those pioneers believed that the establishment of their community required a trusted voice to report and comment on current affairs of mutual concern. So began the Deseret News, the oldest continuously operating business of any kind in Utah.

Some things have not changed. From that first edition, printed on a simple hand-operated press, to today's global internet reach, the Deseret News still provides its readers with insight from a values-based perspective. And although the Deseret News is no longer published in newly charted geographic territory, it continues to be at the frontier. Now, however, that frontier includes a digital future as news organizations adapt to the powerful new ways readers seek trusted voices for information and analysis.

In September of this year, the Deseret News unveiled an ambitious plan to expand our reach and influence through innovation. That plan included an integrated newsroom, expanded in-depth coverage and analysis, a national editorial advisory board, an expanded network of contributors and increased digital innovation. As 2010 draws to a close, this is our report to you about how this plan is unfolding.

We have successfully integrated our newsroom with our sister media company, KSL. That integration makes the Deseret News part of the largest newsroom in the market. That newsroom offers you expert print, broadcast and online journalism when, where and how you want it. Through this integration, you may have seen or heard familiar Deseret News reporters on KSL. Similarly, you may have noticed KSL bylines on our printed pages. This integration gives the Deseret News the capacity for the most rapid and widespread coverage of breaking news in our 160-year history.

In addition to excellence in providing breaking news, we have increased our in-depth coverage and analysis of issues that matter to you. You may have appreciated, for example, how we have explored the impact that pornography abuse has on women or our in-depth look at the reconciliation of interned Japanese Americans and the role played by U.S. servicemen in the rebuilding of post-war Japan. We will continue to expand this kind of insight and analysis from the perspective we share with you, our readers.