Why Juneau needs an Independent voice

The Juneau Independent’s table at the Juneau Public Market on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Independent)

By Bruce Botelho

When a community loses its local news, it loses more than headlines — it loses part of its identity. A vibrant, informed public depends on journalists who understand local people, local issues and local life. That used to be the role of our hometown newspaper, but as corporate ownership has shifted the focus away from Juneau something vital has gone missing.

The Juneau Independent arose to fill that gap. It is locally rooted and nonprofit, built on the principle that news should serve the public, not shareholders. For that reason it has erected no paywall. Its mission is straightforward: provide accurate, independent and fair reporting that helps Juneau's citizens understand what's happening in their government, schools, neighborhoods and environment.

In an era of shrinking newsroom budgets and copy-paste coverage from afar, that is no small thing. Local reporters are the ones who attend city meetings, follow school board debates, ask hard questions and celebrate community milestones. Without them, public accountability falters and civic life withers. In our case, we're blessed with an experienced editor in Mark Sabbatini, talented writers Jasz Garrett, Ellie Ruel and Laurie Ferguson Craig, and the irreplaceable Klas Stolpe who covers our sports scene.

But good journalism takes resources: credible reporting, fair editing, meaningful design — all require people and time. That's why community support is not only helpful, it's essential. By contributing to the Juneau Independent readers ensure that local news remains public service, not private property.

As we approach Giving Tuesday, I'm mindful that there are many causes worthy of your support. Please add the Juneau Independent to your list. Every donation, sponsorship and shared story strengthens Juneau's sense of place and our collective voice. Supporting the Independent means standing up for local democracy, transparency and the idea that truth begins at home.

So let's take ownership of our story again — together.

• Bruce Botelho is a former Juneau mayor and Alaska attorney general who is the president of the Juneau Independent’s board of directors. People can support the Juneau Independent by clicking on the donate button, making a one-time end-of-year large donation, sending a check made out to the Juneau Independent at 105 Heritage Way, Suite 301, Juneau, AK 99801, or advising us of your interest in becoming a business sponsor by contacting editor@juneauindependent.com. The Juneau Independent is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and all contributions are tax-deductible.