Earlier this month, journalists and news staff at the Anchorage Daily News — the state’s largest newspaper and news site in Alaska — filed a petition to form a union. If successful, it would make ADN the first union-organized newsroom in the state.
As former employees of the Anchorage Daily News, we are signing this letter to show our support for the Anchorage News Guild. Better pay, “increased transparency and a sustainable workplace environment” are absolutely necessary in maintaining the longevity of the newspaper — especially for its photographers and reporters.
The journalism industry faces significant challenges, but this presents an opportunity for ADN leadership to address these issues and demonstrate meaningful, lasting change.
In addition to the letter, the Anchorage News Guild has released a petition of support, calling on ADN management to acknowledge the guild, which they have failed to do. We are asking ADN owner Ryan Binkley and editor David Hulen to respond to the hard work and dedication of the newsroom’s employees, and to recognize the guild in its entirety.
We echo the sentiments of the Anchorage News Guild’s letter. Our former colleagues work hard to report important news, and deserve to make a living wage, and have the transparency, respect and workplace support they need to continue delivering the news that Alaskans rely on.
Signed,
James Brooks, former ADN employee
Levi Brown, former ADN employee
Samantha Davenport, former ADN employee
Joshua Genuino, former ADN employee
Jamie Gonzales, former ADN employee
Young Kim, former ADN employee
Kevin Klott, former ADN employee
Emily Mesner, former ADN employee
Zakiya McCummings, former ADN employee
Yoshina Okamoto, former ADN employee
Victoria Petersen, former ADN employee
Kirsten Swann, former ADN employee
Sam Davenport is a writer residing in Anchorage. She's a leo and a plant-person, and loves spending quality time with her dog, Aspen. She is a Real Housewives fan and has been called a Bravo historian.
