Announcing the BDN 2022-2023 Annual Impact Report

Maine: The way news should be.

Whether you live in Maine or love our state from afar, you know what it is to be a Mainer. We’re tough and kind, resourceful, independent by nature, respectful of the natural environment, and we take care of our communities. How could we not be all of those things? Our beautiful state requires it – and inspires it.

The Bangor Daily News is no different. We’ve been independently owned and operated for more than 130 years. We aim to be fair and tough on those in power while also being respectful of the interconnected web of our community, creating public accountability through transparency and the fact-finding work of local journalism. We are resourceful, pursuing that mission on tight budgets. We celebrate the natural environment through reporting and commentary on living a good life outdoors through recreation, hunting and fishing. We serve our community by providing the news and information Mainers need to make informed decisions about important issues – and helping folks find opportunities to make their own voices heard before decisions are made.

That’s what local journalism does, and that’s why we’re talking about impact. That’s also why Bangor Savings Bank has made it possible for us to print this report you’re holding in your hands. We are grateful to them for supporting Maine communities by investing in journalism that serves those communities.

Corporate chain ownership of local journalism has harmed so many communities. When newspapers shrink or close, communities suffer. Fewer people volunteer or vote, taxes increase, corruption flourishes. Fortunately, that’s not been our story: Maine is the only state in the U.S. with no out-of-state owners of daily newspapers.

As the BDN has adapted in the challenging financial environment of the last two decades, we have fought to keep our independence and community focus, and done so.

Whether you’re reading this as a subscriber, a donor, an advertiser, or a funder, your support helps keep this service strong. Whether you experience our journalism through print, newsletters, our website, our mobile app, the e-edition, or events, you are a part of the BDN community and we are honored to serve you.

Jo Easton Sr. Audience Director