On April 18, Micromedia Publications celebrated its 27th anniversary, marked by the introduction of its first weekly newspaper, The Manchester Times, on April 18, 1995. Since then, it has introduced six more weekly newspapers, as well as our website, JerseyShoreOnline.com. In January, in an effort to increase our exposure for the benefit of both our readers and advertisers, we acquired Toms River Online and Bricktown Online, both with highly upgraded content.
The first edition of each newspaper contained an editorial entitled “The Importance of Community,” stressing that the strength of our society is based on “the simple associations we make in our community each and every day – we believe the mission of a local newspaper should be to promote the highest ideals of community life,” a commitment which is at the core of our mission.
As I think of our mission on a local level, my thoughts turned to the current raging war in Ukraine, and the response of the community of nations. In the words of 19th century political philosopher John Stuart Mill, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
In response to the brutal and deadly Russian invasion inspired by Vladimir Putin, western democracies have come to the aid of their besieged neighbor. They have provided much-needed military equipment and humanitarian aid, and have accepted refugees who arrive with not much more than the clothes on their backs.
Poland, one of them, stepped up big time, welcoming more than two million refugees alone. Make no mistake – this conflict is nothing less than a struggle between good and evil, and Ukraine’s western neighbors must do everything they can to defeat the ambitions of Vladimir Putin and restore the blessing of peace to a fully independent Ukraine.
In closing, I want to thank our dedicated employees, without whom the success and quality of our newspapers and online offerings would NOT be possible. To our employees, our readers and our advertisers, thank you for sharing this wonderful journey with us, a journey that will continue for many years to come!
Stew Swann
Publisher
