L. Cody Sossamon, Jr., 70

Publisher, The Gaffney Ledger, Gaffney, SC First journalism job: Advertising sales at The Lexington (SC) Dispatch-news What are some of the most important lessons you have learned working in the news industry?

My father, who was publisher of The Gaffney Ledger for 30 years (19691999), was my journalism mentor: treat everyone with respect, tell the truth, including all sides in every story, take a stance on community issues and make a profit (an increasingly difficult task).

He stressed that newspapers record their communities’ history, and awards, births, deaths, marriages, accomplishments and all of the other seemingly minor information found on our pages are important to someone.

From his example, I learned that being a champion for the ‘little guy’ and holding public officials accountable are two primary reasons newspapers are indispensable to a free and open society. What are your predictions for the future of news publishing?

I am hopeful printed newspapers will thrive for many years, but with the emphasis placed on digital news by many media outlets, that hope is becoming a pipe dream. I am concerned for the future of journalism and news publishing because so many people believe what they read on Facebook and other similar sites. Also, ‘journalists’ who are biased are alienating readers. Finally, there is too much editorializing in ‘news’ stories and sensationalizing in headlines.