Mission Statement Our Guiding Principles

Sun., Jan. 2, 2000

Editor’s note: On the first Sunday of 2000, The Spokesman-Review editorial board presents the values that guide its work.

As The Spokesman-Review tends a flourishing garden of ideas on the opinion pages, the newspaper also maintains a consistent voice of reason when stating its own institutional opinions. These editorial opinions are guided by the following principles: We believe a free press and freedom of expression form the foundation of a free society and must be defended.

We strive to inspire and inform, believing that our role is to call people to action, helping them act to create a better future and find common ground.

As members of the communities we serve, we bring a constructive spirit to our work, preferring to state what we favor as well as what we oppose. We encourage vigorous commentary but avoid vilification, personal attacks and talking down to readers.

We are an advocate for the well-being of our communities and region, and our perspective recognizes the common interests of North Idaho and Eastern Washington.

Individuals bear responsibility for the choices they make.

Our communities have a responsibility to care for those who cannot care for themselves, in a constructive and compassionate way. We support effective care-giving through private charities as well as government social programs.

Economic vitality is an essential ingredient, but not the only ingredient, necessary to maintain the Inland Northwest’s high quality of life.

We balance legitimate environmental concerns with the needs of the natural resources-based economy.

We support freedom, responsibility and opportunity for private business. Market solutions, fair competition and private enterprise usually result in greater efficiency and lower costs. We support freedom, responsibility and opportunity for private individuals. This includes the freedom to choose an abortion. We defend the interests of children, including our duty to provide effective public schools, colleges and universities. We recognize the need for healthy marriages and families.

We support efficient, open and accountable government. We prefer a limited government to an intrusive one. Full participation in civic life being essential to healthy democracy, we encourage ongoing citizen involvement at all stages of public-policy decisions. We look to the private sector for solutions before we look to the government.

We seek to explore and explain diversity of all kinds and believe the empowerment of all citizens aids democracy.

Local journalism is essential.

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Jesse Tinsley

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Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.