At The Reporter, we believe letters to the editor are the heart of community journalism. They offer a window into the thoughts, concerns, and passions of our readers. Whether you write to cheer, to challenge, or to question — your voice matters. This newspaper belongs to the community it serves, and your letters remind us why we do what we do.
That said, our commitment to open dialogue carries a responsibility: to ensure accuracy and fairness in what we publish. When a letter includes information that is demonstrably false, we are obligated to clarify it — not to silence, but to protect the integrity of our pages and the trust of our readers. Under libel law, newspapers can be held accountable for knowingly printing false statements, even in opinion pieces. That’s why we may not print a letter, or may communicate with letter writers about modifying comments to remove false statements and occasionally we might add an editor’s note to clarify, contextualize, or correct information, especially when the public interest or reputational harm is at stake.
This is not about stifling disagreement — quite the opposite. It’s about elevating our shared conversation with facts, respect, and a commitment to truth. Letters may spark debate, and sometimes that debate is uncomfortable. But disagreement, when grounded in respect and curiosity, is not only healthy — it’s essential to a functioning democracy.
So please, keep writing. Tell us what you think. Tell us what you like, what you don’t, and what you want to see covered. Point us toward stories you think need telling. We’re listening, and we’re here — not to speak for you, but to speak with you.
Let’s keep the conversation going.
Lillian Browne is the editor of The Reporter. She can be reached at editor@the-reporter.net or 607-464-4009
