The Ledger

By Becky Holland

Not all news is positive. Not all stories are easy to tell. And not everything we report will feel comfortable or agreeable.

That’s the nature of journalism.

Years ago, a journalism professor told me, “That’s just how it rolls.” He then referenced Walter Cronkite—the gold standard in reporting—who believed the role of a journalist is to report the facts and allow the public to draw their own conclusions.

Today, with the internet at our fingertips, access to information is greater than ever. Verified accounts, public records, and credible sources are available to anyone willing to look. But access alone isn’t enough—discernment matters. Sources must be vetted. Facts must be checked. Context must be understood.

In my nearly 30 years of reporting, that’s what I have tried to do—even when the information is difficult to hear, uncomfortable to share, or disappointing to some.

And yes, I have disappointed people.

I’ve had my car keyed. I’ve received angry phone calls and office visits filled with harsh words. My integrity, character and livelihood have been questioned. None of that is easy—but none of it changes the responsibility.

Recently, I heard from another disappointed reader regarding a recent story. I listened. I reflected. And I offered to follow up—because fairness matters.

The Ledger strives to be a trusted news source—fair, balanced, and unbiased. Joe Friday’s words still ring true: “Just the facts, ma’am. Just the facts.”

That commitment is also why The Ledger has an editorial board made up of four individuals with different perspectives. Their role is to help ensure our reporting is fair, accurate, and balanced—to ask hard questions, challenge assumptions, and provide accountability before a story ever reaches the public.

Because journalism isn’t about making everyone comfortable.

It’s about telling the truth—responsibly, faithfully, and without fear.