Publisher’s Perspective: Looking Forward

Publisher’s Perspective – Looking Forward

– By Josh Warburton –

Wow, what a year 2020 was! And here we all are in 2021! Well, most of us, anyway. I’m sad to say that I am now in the growing group of those who knew someone that died of COVID-19. And I know quite a few more who’ve contracted it and survived, but many with lingering effects. That said, there’s hope on the horizon. In addition to multiple vaccines being rolled out, treatments continue to improve. If we can keep our hospitals from overflowing in ICU capacity, our outlook for the new year looks good!

The stimulus bill passed, giving up to $600 to most Americans, funding another round of PPP loans for businesses, and extending unemployment benefits to those hit hardest. This may not be enough to keep many from being evicted, going hungry, skipping medical care, and worse, but I see people in my communities stepping up and am excited to see this continue.

2020 was a challenging year for many businesses as well, the entertainment industry has really suffered, and local arts and entertainment have struggled tremendously. Hey, we’ve really had to work to keep the paper going, and we even got one of those PPP loans last year to stay afloat. All of that said, I am looking forward to what this year has to hold for all of us. I believe the pent-up desire to see live entertainment, go out to events, and otherwise share experiences with family, friends, and strangers will result in a renaissance for events and entertainment. And as that happens, we want to continue to provide you the very best source for area arts, music, and entertainment coverage, in addition to the best guide to the greater Zion area with our Zion Guide content.

And to that end, we are in an extraordinary year for The Independent. I started this journey with three friends way back in 1996. At the time, we had the simple idea of providing a bridge between the people and the burgeoning music and entertainment scene in little southern Utah. It has been a really long and interesting road, but we have done that and so much more when we complete 25 years of publishing with our February edition later this month. Twenty-five years have come and gone so incredibly fast. I can hardly believe it, and I’ve lived it! So I hope you will all continue to come along this crazy ride with the Independent crew and me.

And as we hit this milestone, you’ll likely see more change and evolution from us. We’ll continue to adapt, tweak, adjust, and hopefully continue to produce the best local content in southern Utah. Watch for an exceptional March anniversary issue kicking off our 26th year and if you’d like to get your business or event in front of our large print and online audiences, just give us a call. We are making special deals this year as a way of giving back to the communities that have given us so much all these years (oh, and keeping the lights on). And lots of stuff we’re happy to do for free.

We look forward to serving you.

Have a really happy, prosperous, and especially healthy new year.

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