Letter from the Publishers

First comes the blank stare, followed by the noticeable dropping of the jaw and finally, the slightly concerned voicing of a question: “You’re starting a newspaper…in this economy?”

But we knew something. A first-class city like Miami Beach needs a first-class community newspaper.

Furthermore, we know that the First Amendment to the Constitution of these United States guarantees us freedom of speech and freedom of the press, because without a voice in our community none of us is truly free. So, as newspaper people, it would be a dereliction of our duty if we didn’t watch how the politicians spend our tax dollars, or if we didn’t help visitors discover the very best of the arts, entertainment, cafés and restaurants, and the other inimitable wonders that the business community of Miami Beach has to offer.

Next comes the inevitable follow-up statement: “But nobody reads newspapers anymore, it’s all online.” Malarkey. 

Just as cinema was supposedly going to kill off theater, and television was going to kill off radio, the Internet is supposed to kill off newspapers. It won’t happen because there is something special about print. There is something magical about picking up a paper and folding it up, and shoving it in a pocket. Print is tactile. It feels real. And just as being friends with someone on Facebook doesn’t replace hanging out with a buddy in a bar, saving an online story on a desktop will never replace clipping a story out of a newspaper and sticking it to the refrigerator door. Not to say the Internet isn’t a fantastic resource, of course. Check out our site at theleadmiamibeach.com for exclusive content.

Newspapers are going to find a different niche, and that niche is the community — not the region, or the state, but the hyperlocal — it’s about what is happening on your street, in your schools and at the company you work for.

Our bottom line is that we vow to be the most reliable paper of record for this community. Our journalistic and ethical standards will only be matched by our passion and enthusiasm, and our goal is to grow with you as, together, we strive to make Miami Beach a still more perfect community in which to live our lives, raise our children and welcome our guests.

We look forward to serving you,

The Lead Miami Beach

comments@theleadmiamibeach.com

Vision

Photo by Michael Menchero