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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Eye On Boise

Civility, news reporting and a silver anniversary…

Today marks my 25th anniversary with The Spokesman-Review. Though things have changed quite a bit since I joined the newspaper as its Idaho editor in 1991, we’re still in the same business – reporting the news. I’m proud to still be carrying on this important work.

Over the weekend and early next week, I’ll be attending the “Idaho Civility Summit” (more on that here), about which I must admit to mixed feelings. When this project first came to the state Legislature this past winter, we had lots of discussions in the press room, with the general theme being: Sure, civility is a good thing, but our mission in the press isn’t necessarily civility, it’s truth-telling. We can’t sacrifice truth-telling just to be nice. But I’d also prefer that folks, including elected officials, not be rude to me, just as I wouldn’t be rude to them. That’s just basic human decency.  

Though I’ve been doing this job for a long time now, I’m always learning something new, which is one of its joys. Maybe I’ll learn something at this event, too. Meanwhile, thanks, everyone, for reading!



Betsy Z. Russell
Betsy Z. Russell joined The Spokesman-Review in 1991. She currently is a reporter in the Boise Bureau covering Idaho state government and politics, and other news from Idaho's state capital.

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