No person lives to be 135 years old. Most businesses don’t either. But through dedicated service to the people and businesses of eastern and northern Maine, the Bangor Daily News has sustained.
For generations of Mainers, the BDN has chronicled huge changes in daily life, explained the stakes of policies and laws, celebrated sporting victories, empowered outdoor explorers, marked the passing of loved ones, helped yard salers find great deals, investigated wrongdoing and held those in power accountable.
News is delivered differently today than it was in the past, but the core function of producing locally reported journalism day in and day out has not changed — nor has our status as the sole independent daily newspaper in the state.
“Like most newspapers, the BDN has had to cut costs and raise prices over the last two decades in order to maintain high quality investigative, accountability and community journalism for eastern and northern Maine,” Bangor Daily News president Todd Benoit said. “In the 21st century, each year’s budget has been a little smaller than the year before, and the trend continues. When I think of the coverage and features we once could afford to provide, I feel both the loss of solid journalism and a determination to find a way to regain it.”
Every tax-deductible contribution to fund BDN reporting helps power journalism that makes a difference to Maine. Set yours up today: donate.bangordailynews.com
This spring, we asked our readers to support the BDN civic mission and help sustain journalism that produces impact, like we share with you each year.
BDN readers came through. More than 290 donors raised $34,000 in support of our reporting. Dozens opted to create recurring contributions to contribute a small amount every month. We can’t thank you enough.
As I was writing this, a donation came through with a comment that perfectly summarized our ambition for community support to help sustain this resource for future generations. Jack Schenendorf of Chevy Chase, Maryland, told us that “my daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren reside in Bangor, and I want to ensure they have access to excellent local news.”
We do too, Jack.
Happy 135th birthday, BDN. And many more.
