Readers can play an active, participatory role in the news; "readers" are not just readers. They shape what makes the news by sharing what local news is important to them and what they want to see in the paper. They write letters, columns, articles and take photos. They fact check. They research. They provide invaluable news tips. They are potential news sources. They let their local papers know what (or who) seems corrupt and should be investigated.

In the coming weeks, readers will see surveys in the Juneau Empire and online, asking how they think the paper is doing, what they think it could do better, what they like about the Empire and what they think needs improvement. Emily Russo Miller, editor, is officially calling this effort the Empire's Listening Tour.

Read more from her column in the Juneau Empire.

Like other mainstream newspapers, the Hope Star and the Times Free Press in Chattanooga hold fast to protocols that guard against the publication of fake news. Some require a minimum of three named sources for every story. Others forbid unnamed sources. Period.

With the introduction of "fake news" and "alternative facts" into the nation's lexicon, those reporting guidelines are what distinguish these newspapers from news outlets that operate without them.

From Alaska to Pennsylvania and all points in between, reputable newspapers strive to eschew fast and first to deliver only facts.

Brian Naplachowski has been named the new general manager of the Juneau Empire.

Rustan Burton, publisher of the Juneau Empire and Capital City Weekly in Juneau, Alaska, has stepped down to accept another job in the Midwest. The announcement was made by Deedie McKenzie, group publisher of Alaska Media Partners.