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Independent News

The Independent News (abbreviated IN) is a free weekly publication serving the Pensacola area. The paper's origins date back to 1999, when two free weekly newspapers were founded: the Independent, founded by Rick Outzen in July, and the Florida Sun, founded by then-Congressman Joe Scarborough in November. After struggling to compete for advertising dollars, the two papers merged into the Independent Florida Sun in 2001. It was renamed again to the Independent News in 2004 when Outzen bought back control from Scarborough.

Inlogo.png
INApril2007.jpg
The 2007 "April Fool's" issue of the Independent News
Type of publication community tabloid
Publisher Rick Outzen
Frequency weekly
Circulation 25,000
Cost free
First Issue July 1, 1999
Headquarters 124 South Palafox Place
Pensacola, FL 32502
Website www.inweekly.net

Self-described as "old school, two-fisted journalism,"[1] the Independent News promotes itself as a free-thinking alternative to the larger, Gannett-owned daily paper, the Pensacola News Journal, which it frequently criticizes. The paper claims a weekly readership of 77,000 through 25,000 copies at 400 distribution points. The editor is Duwayne Escobedo.

Contents

Columns & FeaturesEdit

  • Winners & Losers
  • Outtakes
  • The Buzz
  • Silhouettes
  • The Last Word

Recurring IssuesEdit

  • Ballsy Plan
  • Best of the Coast
  • Naughty or Nice
  • April Fool's Issue
  • Lust List
  • Music Awards
  • People to Watch
  • Gift Guide
  • Year IN Review

Notable PositionsEdit

Contrary to an objective newspaper of record, Independent News articles are heavily editorialized and frequently advance a particular viewpoint on the issues they cover.

Community Maritime ParkEdit

The Independent News was a strong advocate of the Community Maritime Park project and often criticized opponents Charles Fairchild and Marty Donovan. When IN editor Escobedo joined a panel of moderators for an August 31, 2006 televised debate on WSRE, the Save Our City members threatened not to appear, but later relented. During the debate, Escobedo asked why Save Our City had "demonized" Quint Studer for his involvement in the project.[2]

Other MediaEdit

External linksEdit

ReferencesEdit