New Editor Says Community Focus Will Serve Mirror Well

Kodiak Daily Mirror Editor James Brooks. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan Lally.

Maggie Wall/KMXT

The Kodiak Daily Mirror has a new editor. James Brooks transferred to Kodiak from the Mirror’s parent paper the Fairbanks Daily News Miner.

KMXT’s Maggie Wall talked with Brooks about his vision and plans for the paper.

The Mirror’s most recent past editor, Derek Clarkston, is happily back at the helm of the sports desk.

— (KDM Editor 4:00 SOC)

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James Brooks came to Kodiak in time to enjoy much of July’s great weather. But regardless of what the forecast brings, Brooks predicts he’ll enjoy his life in Kodiak. He says it’s partly because of the people-and that’s what he hopes to see more of in the Kodiak Daily Mirror-stories and photos about and by local people:

-(( Everyone has a story :38 "I just like…share it with everybody else."))

Speaking of sharing stories, Brooks hopes local readers will share their stories with everyone else in town by letting the paper print them:

-((Fish, I’m awesome :29 "Absolutely, we want…I am."))

As for reporting, Brooks says the Mirror’s new press scheduled has changed deadlines at the paper, but should mean people get the daily news in hand sooner:

-((New sked :49 "The press runs…we physically can’t."))

Last month the Mirror started requiring subscriptions for access to its online news and photos. The website was expanded to include more information, local columns and more photos. Brooks says that has worked well and online readers have adjusted fairly well to the new-for Kodiak-concept:

-((Paywall 1:00 "We started it…paying for print."))

While local daily papers are having trouble all across the country, Brooks says the Mirror is holding its own. It’s likely one of the smallest dailies the U.S., but it’s got a tight focus-a benefit of its isolation:

-((Mirror smallest :38 "We believe we….why we’re here."))

Brooks says people shouldn’t hesitate to stop by the Mirror’s office and suggest stories or drop off information.

I’m Maggie Wall.

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