Since changing ownership one year ago, we are proud to report that the tradition of The Messenger remains strong, with an increase in original content as well as categories. The paper has grown in size since the transition, adding a regular entertainment section, and sports section, with frequent leisure and business contributions. All the while, we have maintained our coverage of local events, politics and human-interest stories.
When Joseph Robbins founded The Smithtown Messenger in 1887, he probably didn’t have 2022 in mind. Little did he know that he was founding a publication that would pass through several owners and spawn what’s now The Brookhaven Messenger and The Islip Messenger, amongst other publications over the years.
And while journalism has changed, and the population of our coverage areas has exploded since 1887, it can easily be imagined the job has stayed the same. When there is a story, report it. Where there is darkness, shine light. Back then, a local paper like this would have been the only place to receive local news, and it would have been one of the few places where communities could come together over a commonality. Letters-to-the-editor might as well have been letters to everyone in town, and a report by a local official couldn’t be found online.
Now, the media landscape is drastically different. Information is at your fingertips, and often just a search bar away. Many local papers have had to shutter their doors under rising costs, staffing difficulties, and a lack of interest – an unfortunate occurrence.
In 135 years, The Messenger logo has seen good days, bad days and has even been reinvented on quite a few occasions. And while not immune to the stresses of the world we live in, through resolve to our mission, we continue.
So old is this brand that some staffers grew up reading the very publication they are now employed at, a source of pride for us all.
Now, at this one-year point of new ownership, our reimagined logo and layout have been positively received by long-time subscribers and new alike. Furthermore, our coverage, in many instances, is now even more local than, well… you know the rest. We look forward to another successful year of ownership. Within the very near future, we expect to increase our coverage even more, with some surprises to come. That is the message. This is The Messenger.
