America’s community newspapers began in Boston on Sept. 25, 1690, with the publication of Publick Occurrences: Both Foreign and Domestic by Benjamin Harris. Intended for monthly publication, the first newspaper was three printed pages with one blank page for private correspondence. Unfortunately, the local authorities considered this publication, “Without the least Privacy or Countenance of Authority” and containing “affections of a very high nature: As also sundry doubtful and uncertain Reports.” As a result, an immediate ban on publication was issued and a second edition was never produced. It was not until 1704 that a second, more successful, newspaper appeared.

The Daily Iberian can trace its roots back to 1893, when it published its first issue on Feb. that year. S.P. Watts was its first editor and in that first issue wrote, “It will be our endeavor to give a faithful chronology of the daily happenings of the city of New Iberia, the land known as the Attakapas, and the general news of the whole country.”

In the first issues that February, Watts wrote several editorials about the need to improve roads in the area around New Iberia. “… On the road leading to St. Martinville is a mud hole that is impassable, persons coming to the place, must of necessity turn to seek another road to town. This should not be allowed to remain there.” Apparently, the more we change the more we remain the same.

Since those early days, there have been thousands of community newspapers published throughout the United States. Today, the distinguishing characteristic of a community newspaper is its commitment to serving the information needs of a particular community. The community is defined by the community’s members and a shared sense of belonging. 

Despite the emergence of new information technologies such as the Internet, community newspapers continue to play an important role in the Information Age. More than 150 million people are informed, educated and entertained by a community newspaper every week. Moreover, the value of community newspapers continues to grow as they seek new ways to serve their readers and strengthen their communities.

Although roads evidently will always be in the news, the team here at The Daily Iberian has been very busy seeking new ways to gather and present the news to better serve you. We are eager for you to receive your newspaper this Sunday as we roll out several changes that are aimed at delivering community news to you, with content we hope you will love and in a more esthetically pleasing format.

We’ve cleaned up the design and given it a modern look. We will be including profiles of local business leaders, religious leaders and the folks who make food and drink unique to us. We will be including lists such as five things to do this weekend. We will be writing more articles in a question and answer format.

All of these changes are things we believe you want to see. We know without a doubt that an informed community is a stronger community. Our mission remains the same — to strengthen the Teche Area by informing, connecting, and celebrating the community.  We sincerely hope you enjoy the changes and we are looking forward to any feedback you would like to share with us.  

CHRISTINA PIERCE is publisher of The Daily Iberian.