July 4, 2024 is the 12-year-anniversary of the journalistically, artistically, locally, editorially, grammatically, creatively, insightfully, accurately, excellent newspaper, the Plant City Observer. Ed Verner was the driving force behind the establishment of the Observer. He took time to answer questions about why.
Question: Why did you start the
newspaper?
Answer: “I had been a fan of the old Plant City Courier, and was in contact with many of the fine reporters and staff there for about 10 years. Unfortunately, I had seen its decline—due mostly to increasingly disinterested upper management located far away. I tried to purchase the Courier from its Tampa Tribune owners on two separate occasions, and later from some California folks who wound up with it, but more and more it was obvious they would not sell it nor repair it. Eventually, when they closed their Plant City office and took all editorial oversight out of town entirely, I got serious about bringing back a locally-owned and managed Plant City paper.”
Question: What were your roles and for how long?
Answer: “Myself and two other Plant City partners were investors in a partnership with the Observer Media Group, and negotiated a wonderful start-up that protected local editorial management. Eventually, I increased my investment as the Courier finally expired from the field of play. Ultimately, the Plant City Observer as it is today was the last man standing.”
Question: Did you have a background in publishing before starting the PCO?
Answer: “No, but I read every issue of the Courier from about 1984 until its last issue, and I’ve been published a time or two myself.”
Question: What gave you the most satisfaction about publishing the Plant City Observer?
Answer: “It was a great satisfaction to know that we kept alive print journalism that is accountable and caring of our hometown. You can’t please everybody all of the time, and not everyone reads our paper, but those who do get quality and hyperlocal care and concern.”
Question: Looking back over the last 12 years, what are you most proud of?
Answer: “How Plant City deserved, and deserves, a locally-owned newspaper. And I don’t think it would have happened without my crazy obsession, and the help of Felix Haynes, Nate Kilton, Karen Berry, Sarah Holt, The Observer Group, and many along the way who stepped up and proved this is a great town, and we do indeed give a darn. Social media and giant journalism have their place, but they cannot replace hyperlocal journalism.”
Question: What was the most difficult thing?
Answer: “Probably the hardest part is dealing with the oft-held falsehood that print news is dying. True, it has transformed. But it still works both for advertisers and for peeling back the backstory that often social media will miss; or worse needlessly dramatize ad nauseum by armchair experts who know it all—except how they may be wrong.”
In 2015, Karen Berry joined the Observer ownership group and assumed the role of Publisher. In 2024 she became sole owner. She also responded to questions.
Question: What would you like to say about the Observer?
Answer: “Since joining the Plant City Observer, it’s been a pleasure to be a part of a group of owners who are one hundred percent committed to publishing a newspaper we all can be proud of. The Observer has consistently demonstrated its commitment to keeping the community informed and engaged.”
“One of our key factors behind the Observer’s longevity has been its ability to adapt to the evolving media landscape. While print editions continue to be a vital part of the publication, the newspaper has also embraced digital platforms, maintaining a strong online presence and social media channels that allow it to reach a wider audience, and deliver news in a timely and accessible manner. Since 2015 a lot has changed. In January 2019, we became a paper that was one hundred percent locally-owned and operated.”
Question: What is in the future for the Plant City Observer?
Answer: “Since July 4, 2012, the newspaper has grown to become a trusted voice, providing comprehensive coverage on a wide range of topics that are relevant to Plant City residents. As we celebrate our twelfth anniversary, the community can look forward to the continuation of its tradition of excellence in journalism. We have a dedicated team of reporters, an editor, distribution, sales, and a designer. The newspaper will continue to be a valuable resource for our readers—providing them with the information they need to stay connected and informed.”