A Note from the Editor: Behind the Headlines, Beyond the News
As editor in chief of USA TODAY, nothing resonates more deeply than hearing from you, our readers. Your engagement with our journalism fuels our passion and validates our mission. We strive to deliver news that matters, stories that connect, and content that empowers. We are not just reporting events; we are building a relationship with you, fostering a dialogue that enriches our understanding of the world and each other.
USA TODAY’s journey began in 1982, under the visionary leadership of Al Neuharth. He dared to challenge the established norms of the newspaper industry, introducing a vibrant, visually engaging design that stood in stark contrast to the traditional, often staid, publications of the time. Neuharth was unwavering in his commitment to a reader-centric approach. He understood that in an era of increasing information overload, readers demanded clarity, conciseness, and compelling storytelling.
His dedication extended to every detail, even the headlines. He would frequently intervene, even at the eleventh hour, insisting that editors rewrite headlines that lacked punch or failed to capture the essence of the story. His mantra was simple: get to the point. Value the reader’s time. Avoid unnecessary jargon or convoluted language. Embrace drama, humor, and surprise to engage readers and make the news more accessible and relatable.
Neuharth believed that this ethos would be the cornerstone of USA TODAY’s success, and he was right. His vision resonated with readers across the nation, establishing USA TODAY as a leading voice in American journalism. I share his conviction wholeheartedly. We constantly strive to deepen our connection with our readers, viewers, and listeners. We want to be more than just a source of information; we want to be a trusted partner in your daily lives.
With that in mind, I am thrilled to announce the launch of "The Backstory," a new subscriber-exclusive newsletter and column, debuting on May 4. This initiative is designed to take you behind the scenes of USA TODAY, offering a glimpse into the process of how we craft lively stories, deliver news you can use, and provide content you can trust. "The Backstory" is a testament to our commitment to transparency and a celebration of the talented journalists who make USA TODAY what it is.
I am constantly amazed by the expertise and dedication of our team. They are passionate about their craft and deeply committed to delivering accurate, insightful, and engaging journalism. I believe that when you learn more about them – their backgrounds, their motivations, and their approaches to storytelling – you will be just as impressed as I am.
We believe in engaging with you, not talking at you. We focus on service journalism, which is the idea of informing you to help you live your best life. We strive to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions, navigate complex issues, and improve your overall well-being. Whether it’s providing practical advice, uncovering important trends, or shedding light on critical social issues, our goal is to empower you with knowledge.
Our coverage extends beyond the realm of hard news. We also recognize the importance of capturing the moments and events that bring you joy and sometimes, heartache. Our sports and entertainment sections are dedicated to providing comprehensive coverage of the games, the performances, and the personalities that capture your imagination and stir your emotions.
Accountability journalism is at the heart of our mission. We are committed to holding power accountable, exposing wrongdoing, and giving a voice to the voiceless. Rigorous fact-checking and unbiased reporting are the cornerstones of our journalistic integrity. We understand that our credibility depends on our ability to provide accurate and fair reporting, regardless of the subject matter.
In today’s media landscape, we are aware that you are bombarded with content from countless sources. If our stories don’t resonate with you, if they are not compelling, you will not make time for them. And frankly, you shouldn’t. Your time is valuable, and we are acutely aware of the responsibility we have to earn your attention.
That’s precisely why reader feedback is so crucial to me. It validates the importance of what we do. It helps us understand what we are doing well and where we can improve. Your comments, criticisms, and suggestions are invaluable in shaping our editorial direction and ensuring that we are meeting your needs and expectations.
One recent example that stands out is the overwhelming response to a deep dive by senior journalists Rick Jervis and Marco Della Cava on the final days of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. The couple, beloved in their community of Santa Fe, New Mexico, were found dead in their home on February 26. The circumstances surrounding their deaths were initially shrouded in mystery, adding to the shock and grief felt by their community and Hackman’s legion of fans.
Rick and Marco meticulously pieced together the story, bringing our audience to the tight-knit Santa Fe community and painting a vivid portrait of how the couple touched the lives of their neighbors. Their coverage included a beautifully written story and a poignant video tribute, capturing the essence of Hackman and Arakawa’s lives and their enduring legacy.
The headline Rick and Marco crafted was both captivating and informative: "Tough guy, everyman. Gene Hackman pursued anonymity and a private artist life in Santa Fe." The story was riveting from the very first paragraph, drawing readers in and keeping them engaged until the very end.
The response from our readers was overwhelmingly positive. One reader wrote: "Rick, Just a quick note to thank you for the excellent reporting and writing on the final days of Gene Hackman and his wife. Journalism teachers should use this as an example of how to do a tick tock. I enjoyed it."
Another reader shared: "I can’t say how much I enjoyed this article. What an incredible person Gene was. Thank you for writing this along with Marco Della Cava."
These are the kinds of responses that make our work worthwhile. They remind us that we are not just reporting the news; we are telling stories that matter, stories that connect us to each other, and stories that help us understand the human experience.
In the coming weeks, I will be sharing more reader feedback and insights into our journalistic process. I will walk you through our approach to our craft and the rigor with which we carry it out. I hope to give you a greater appreciation for the dedication and expertise that goes into every story we publish.
I value your perspective and welcome your comments and suggestions. Your feedback is essential to helping us improve our work and better serve our community. In the spirit of a conversation, I always welcome your feedback.
Thank you for reading USA TODAY. Your support is vital to our mission of delivering quality journalism to the nation. To support USA TODAY and our journalists, I encourage you to become a subscriber today. For those who are already subscribers, thank you for your continued loyalty and support. You can sign up to receive "The Backstory" and receive even more behind-the-scenes content and insights.
