It was the tiny acorn from which a journalistic oak would grow. Thanks to a talented staff, generous supporters and an ongoing revolution in desktop publishing, the scrappy publication survived numerous near-death experiences. The 10th anniversary was marked by publication of a 120-page edition celebrating the history of both the paper and the community it covered.
Through the '90s the paper developed a reputation for aggressive reporting, outrageous commentary, in-depth feature writing and brilliant design, winning more than 50 Arizona Press Club awards.
In March 2000, Biggers sold the Weekly to Wick Communications, an Arizona-based company that owns small newspapers throughout the nation. The Weekly is part of Wick's Territorial Newspapers group of Tucson-based publications.
Corporate oversight has brought changes, some welcome and some not for longtime Weekly staffers and friends. Maturity is difficult--do you remember when you turned 18?--for irreverent institutions like the Weekly.
Our illustrious past is our cornerstone; we'll build on it. Our future depends on our continuing to satisfy readers, who are changing and maturing as well.
Please let us know how we're doing--e-mail me at mparnell@tucsonweekly.com--but, hey, cut us some slack. Remember, we're just 18.
