On The Cherokee One Feather

Occasionally I get asked about my opinion of the One Feather. Being the former editor I don't want to criticize the staff. I will say the paper isn't what it should be, nor is its website. Professional journalists who've looked at the paper haven't had kind words when they've spoken to me. That's not necessarily the undersized staff's fault. It mostly lies with the lack of leadership.
There is no editor, and since Pat Panther-Standingdeer, who was employed there since the early '70s retired, there's no assistant editor either. Two people, a reporter and subscription clerk, are running the whole show under the direction of people with no journalism credentials whatsoever, one of whom is a politician with an interest in self-preservation.
The paper falls under the direction of the tribe's Marketing and Promotions division, a huge conflict of interest for both Marketing and Promotions and the One Feather, and that move was made by Principal Chief Michell Hicks upon taking office in 2003.
Supposedly there's an editorial board established, but who are they, and what are their credentials? The One Feather should list them, along with their contact information. That's a huge responsibility, and each of them should own up to it.
I'm not necessarily saying that I should lead the paper again, but whoever oversees it needs to be someone who knows what they're doing and can rebuild the paper's journalistic reputation. It also needs the independence to do its job, and it won't get that under the direction of people who insist it ignore the cesspool next to the rose garden.