Editor:

The letter in this week’s North Coast Journal calling for the death of the Times-Standard is irresponsible and a disservice to the community (“Mailbox,” April 16). The writer referred to a column written by the Media Maven in the April 2 issue of the North Coast Journal.

The writer stated that Marcy Burstiner was “spot on” in her criticism of the Times-Standard. Burstiner was correct in her admonition that subjects such as the Humboldt Creamery deserve full, extensive coverage. And the Times-Standard has covered the subject and, I guarantee, wish they could devote more time to it.

But, as I read Burstiner’s column I also was cognizant, as pointed out last week by Journal editor Hank Sims, that the Times-Standard is struggling, as almost all newspapers throughout the country are struggling, financially and with manpower. Also, Burstiner compared the Times-Standard’s coverage to that of a weekly.

And there is a distinct difference between putting out a weekly that is very locally focused and a daily that covers the entire county. The Times-Standard is down to five news reporters. They cover Humboldt County, Eureka, Arcata, Ferndale, Fortuna, Rio Dell, Trinidad, Blue Lake, Bridgeville, Hydesville, Loleta, Miranda, Pepperwood, Weott, Hoopa, King Salmon, Garberville and points in between, crime that affects our daily lives, 32 school districts, local business, local sports, environmental concerns, community health, community senior citizens, community arts, on and on and on. And they do it every single day of the year, Saturdays and Sundays, holidays, early morning meetings and meetings that drag on late into the night. In short, as a staff, they work their butts off every single day of the year.

As for the wish that the newspaper would die and go away — forget it. This is your source for news, it is your community calendar, it is your neighbors, your personalities, your culture and arts and crafts and the issues that affect your lives. Not bad for 50 cents a day and $1.50 on Sunday.

Dave Rosso, Eureka

*Ed. note: Rosso is the former city editor of the Times-Standard.*