Fewer editorials appearing in some Idaho newspapers

Marty Trillhaase of the Lewiston Tribune is part of a dying breed in Idaho — an opinion page editor who produces hard-hitting copy almost daily — and several times on Friday with the “Cheers and Jeers” commentary.

He does not apologize for his liberal views — he flaunts it, while taking on the Republican establishment with gusto.

“Idaho has been governed by a one-party rule for a generation,” Trillhaase said. “Where else are citizens going to learn about its mistakes, if not for an independent newspaper editorial voice? Who speaks up for the people who are shut out by the system? What happens when there are no more contrarians around to interrupt the echo chambers?”

Trillhaase is following a long line of great writers at the Tribune that includes Bill Hall, the godfather of Idaho editorial writers. But other newspapers in the Gem State are scaling back dramatically on editorials.

When I was hired as opinion page editor at the Statesman in 1999, the newspaper was producing two editorials a day. Now it’s down to one in many weeks, and not necessarily on Sundays, when circulation is the highest. The Post-Register is down to one or two editorials a week. Corey Taule, another excellent writer, took another position. Jon Alexander, who was making his mark with tough editorials at the Times-News in Twin Falls, left the paper earlier this year and the paper is continuing without an opinion page editor.

For Roger Plothow, the Post-Register’s publisher, the change at his paper is partly because of new ownership and partly by design.

“I have come to the place that the most profound journalism, the most impactful … the most meaningful … and the most important journalism is found everywhere except on the editorial page,” Plothow said. “What we cover, how we cover it, and what we write about, is far more important than what we tell people they should do with that information.”

He has high regard for Trillhaase and Taule, but different views on the importance of local editorials. “The bully pulpit is not why I’m here,” Plothow said.

And a barrage of left-leaning editorials does not satisfy the readership demands in a conservative community.

“Over time, our stridency and locked-in left-of-center positions cost us in readership, and in a way cost us influence,” Plothow said. “Our power lies in the telling of the stories, not on how people should behave.”

The Post-Register is not putting fewer resources in the opinion page. Katie Stokes, who comes from upstate New York, brings a fresh perspective to Idaho Falls. Plothow said she’ll continue to comment on local issues, while providing a forum for other views.

The Coeur d’Alene Press, under editor Mike Patrick, has used a similar approach during his 14 years at the paper. He writes three editorials a week, and there’s no shortage of community discussion beyond that.

“The purpose of an opinion page is to stimulate conversation, but newspapers are not meant to have the last word,” Patrick said.

The Lewiston Tribune is not the only paper producing a consistent flow of local editorials. The Idaho State Journal in Pocatello regularly has six local edits a week. The Times-News produces at least three a week, plus a weekly “Cheers and Jeers” that may cover a half a dozen issues. The Idaho Press-Tribune in Nampa produces about four a week. One of the smallest dailies in the state, The Moscow-Pullman Daily News (owned by the Tribune) regularly has five editorials a week.

The Times-News no longer has an opinion page editor, but editor Matt Christensen said there is no less passion for opinion.

“Our readers have an appetite for well-crafted commentary on local and state issues,” Christensen said. “I believe it’s my newspaper’s responsibility to take a leadership role on important issues in the communities we serve.”

Ian Fennell, editor of the Idaho State Journal, said he sees a readership demand for strong local editorials. The Sunday opinion section, he said, is one of the most popular features of his newspaper.

“A newspaper can say something via an editorial that needs to be said, but perhaps no one else has the courage to say,” Fennell said. “I’m a little perplexed that papers are willing to cut back on edits, because editorials are the best way a paper can lead and advise the community.”

Chuck Malloy is a native Idahoan and long-time political reporter and editorial writer. He is a former political editor with the Post Register of Idaho Falls and a former editorial writer with the Idaho Statesman. He may be contacted at: ctmalloy@outlook.com