The remnant of what used to be a major newspaper in Florida is failing — on its own terms.
Now a liberal enclave, written by liberals for liberals, it is driven by the Twin Pillars of the Modern Liberal Religion — diversity and inclusion. Providing news and information to readers seems secondary.
It is part of the huge, left-wing Gannett chain and operates out of a cluster of offices on the mezzanine of a downtown office building instead of the multi-story buildings of the past. It has all but quit publishing its liberal editorials, except the ones disguised as news stories.
Coverage of local news seems to be relegated to rewriting press releases. Other local papers that specialize in business or the courts routinely beat it at news coverage.
Still, it boldly declares on its Web site:
“For Florida Times-Union to succeed, we must have an inclusive and diverse workplace where employees are valued and feel empowered.
“We must build and sustain a workforce that is reflective of the diversity in the communities we serve. As part of our commitment to an inclusive culture, we are
annually publishing the makeup of our newsroom staff. That same commitment is being carried out across the USA TODAY Network, which is made up of more than 250 local publications and USA TODAY.”
The staff voted to join a union several years ago, so presumably all are enjoying high wages and feel valued and empowered.
So, how is it doing at being diverse and inclusive?
It is 100 percent white, except for two black faces in the newsroom, according to its own statistics. All the management is white and thus, according to liberal doctrine, imbued with white privilege. No “Native Americans,” or Eskimos, or Asians, or Hispanics or Pacific Islanders and apparently not one single Ukrainian, Cambodian or New Zealander report and write the news. This, as the paper cheers the fact that millions of foreign citizens are streaming across our borders illegally.
It does not reflect the community, which is its stated goal.
However, it is committed to diversity and inclusion — and maybe one day actually will exercise it — so there’s that.
Today, the circulation is said to be about a tenth of what it was in its heyday as a conservative paper that was read throughout the state.
Apparently, that’s not what readers are clamoring for these days. Who knew?
Lloyd Brown
Lloyd was born in Jacksonville. Graduated from the University of North Florida. He spent nearly 50 years of his life in the newspaper business …beginning as a copy boy and retiring as editorial page editor for Florida Times Union. He has also been published in a number of national newspapers and magazines, as well as Internet sites. Married with children. Military Vet. Retired. Man of few words but the words are researched well, deeply considered and thoughtfully written.