A season of renewal journalism

This business seems to become more difficult with every passing year; yet, we continue to persevere. Amid accounts of layoffs, buy-outs, news deserts, etc., one fact remains — our country, our local communities and our democracy need us to persist and thrive. I believe we could all benefit from a ‘season of preparation’ that inspires and renews our spirits.”

Robin Blinder, editor-in-chief, Editor & Publisher

I’m writing this editorial on Ash Wednesday — the first day of the 2026 Lenten season. Although I’m not Catholic, I’ve observed Lenten traditions for over 20 years. For those of you who aren’t familiar, Lent is a span of 40 days (excluding Sundays), beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending on Holy Saturday.

The word itself has its roots in Anglo-Saxon Germany and refers to the lengthening of days in the spring. In the Gospels, Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness fasting and praying, which inspired Lent’s 40-day length. For Catholics and many Christian denominations, Lent is a time of repentance, fasting and preparation for Easter.

As strange as it may sound, I enjoy the traditions of Lent and lean into the time of reflection, sacrifice and service to others to renew my spirit. Most religions have a time that corresponds to a dedicated season of fasting, reflection, repentance, self-discipline and spiritual renewal — Ramadan for those who practice Islam, Judaism’s High Holy Days (and other fasts), the Hindus’ Navratri and Buddhists’ Vassa, to name a few.

This isn’t a missive to sell you on religion or religious practices, but it dawned on me, as I prepared to fast from social media and sweets this Lent, that our industry has been going through a long season of upheaval. As I’m using this time to reflect on what really matters to me and how I can be of service to those around me, the same applies to our news organizations.

Reflecting on the importance of our mission, examining how we can serve our audience and marketing partners, and focusing on what is true rather than getting into the weeds of disinformation and division — all of these could help us renew our spirits and prepare for the future.

Everywhere I look in this news industry, I see stories of inspiration, determination, creativity and endurance. Our company profile this month highlights The Seattle Times team — one of the few remaining family-owned news organizations and one that has survived with a principle of “stewardship.” According to Michele Matassa Flores, executive editor at The Seattle Times, “The Blethens are about making some money in order to do great journalism, not doing journalism to make a lot of money. And it means everything to me as the leader of the news operation.” That’s what it means to be a steward.

This business seems to become more difficult with every passing year; yet, we continue to persevere. Amid accounts of layoffs, buy-outs, news deserts, etc., one fact remains — our country, our local communities and our democracy need us to persist and thrive. I believe we could all benefit from a “season of preparation” that inspires and renews our spirits. I urge everyone to take a time of reflection and renewal to prepare for what’s ahead. Spring is just around the corner.

Robin Blinder is E&P's editor-in-chief. She has been with E&P for six years. She can be reached at robin@editorandpublisher.com.