Save cover for pressing issues

Posted on by Monica Bethelwood

I have to admit, dear Mountain Xpress, I was put off and disappointed by your cover story, “Going Up?” [Feb. 19, Xpress]. With the wide range of social/political/environmental issues that are currently affecting our community, I was truly surprised that your lead story featured the elevator inside the Flatiron building, its operators and some scandalous moments. I would much rather have seen the article “Spectrum of Support” [Feb 19, Xpress] on the front page, or perhaps some coverage of the Duke Energy coal ash spill (truly devastating), or any other relevant information that helps my awareness grow as a conscientious community member.

What you choose as a frontpage story reflects what you think we are most interested in as a community. By the choice you made last week, I would assume you think the majority of your readers are living in complacent “just moved to Asheville” bliss, with a soft spot for sexy hipster elevator operators. I’m not hating, as I have been one of those blissful creatures. I’m just saying we need cover stories that dispel our ignorance and don’t support it.

I think there could be a place for stories like “Going Up?” — maybe a new section that interviews locals about their interesting workplaces. But please don't feed us shallow material as a cover story. Please continue to be a force that wakes us up and deepens our understanding of the pressing issues affecting us as a community, and keep them in the spotlight.

— Monica Bethelwood
Asheville

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Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

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