Mainstream media has transformed from objective reporting on events and issues into platforms that tell us what is right, what is wrong, and what we should believe. The problem is truth under these conditions is often a matter of opinion stood up by "facts" limited to advance a narrative. Many news publications promote limited points of view to further storylines they desire. This leads to entrenched opinions we are expected to adopt, and anyone outside the mainstream is dismissed, censored or attacked.
I’m tired of one-sided news coverage that doesn’t give the full picture. And I’m tired of being told what to think about issues. I know that many of you feel the same way. The New Mexico Sun was created to make New Mexico a better state through more complete news coverage. As a nonprofit, it’s that simple and there is no other agenda.
The New Mexico Sun will be different; it will be a daily news source serving the entire state. It will give readers the facts without a political agenda. It will be nonpartisan and present the different facets of an issue without slanting them to make a point. It will be open and accessible to all New Mexicans with an easy way to express your opinions.
We’re going to delve into the tough issues, so we can understand what has brought New Mexico to the brink of failure on so many levels. We won’t minimize the problems or sugarcoat who is accountable because it’s only by understanding our failures that we can find better paths forward. This includes New Mexico’s unbearably high crime rate, a failing educational system, and ratings compared with the rest of America that leave New Mexico embarrassed by many measures.
Together, we’ll get New Mexico out of living the definition of insanity – doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. If something hasn’t worked in over one hundred years, why will it work today? We don’t have to accept the status quo.
The New Mexico Sun will also celebrate what is good about New Mexico. That includes the unsung heroes who give selflessly. We’ll publish stories about our incredible lands and the treasures they hold. There is an abundance of opportunity in our state, but it’s not being developed to its fullest potential.
Journalism today is not filling the role it once did and is often not helpful. Many journalists use their skills to advance personal views or the obviously biased agendas of their employers. Their reporting lacks objectivity and does not provide opportunities for discussion. To counter this problem, the New Mexico Sun promotes an open, honest and nonpartisan process of sharing ideas so we can find solutions. Most New Mexicans would agree that what our state needs is solutions, not grandstanding or rationalizing failure, both of which get us nowhere.
We’re blessed to have a diverse pool of reporters and a focused editorial team. As the publisher, I will push for balanced and objective reporting. I will also push our team to cover events that are important and people who are making a difference.
We want to hear from pastors, clergy and other religious leaders because those voices have been important in America since it was founded. We also want to hear from association leaders who are dedicated to improving our state, but rarely get news coverage. Finally, we want to hear about new policies that will benefit our citizens, and need more discussion of bad policies that should be eliminated or that can be improved.
Get involved. Our goal is for this to become New Mexico’s best source of information, and you can help drive our news process through the Community Newsmaker. If you know someone who should be recognized, just click on our Community Newsmaker button in the upper right portion of the front page to submit your story. We’ll do our best to report on as many submissions as possible.
If you want to read opinions, or offer one of your own, visit our Editorial section. We are unique in that we truly value diversity of opinion, and you won’t be shamed or attacked for having opinions different from mainstream media. If an article prompts you to express your opinion, we welcome you to use the Letter to the Editor button on every story page. If your response is thoughtful, doesn’t disparage anyone, and adds to the discussion, we’re happy to publish it.
What is important is that we pursue innovative solutions together. In the end, all we want is to facilitate a media platform that can help New Mexico onto a better path.
Carla Sonntag, Publishing Group Lead
