It was 15 years ago on this date (Sept. 5, 1998) that I launched Online Journal as an alternative to the corporate media, then 12 years and 5 months later changed to a more appropriate name, Intrepid Report.

My objective was and is to offer people information they weren’t getting from the corporate media and needed to make informed decisions.

There were few independent news and information outlets online back then, which is why I had chosen the name Online Journal but as that changed, the name Online Journal seemed passé—even confusing to some—in keeping with the news, analysis and commentaries I was publishing, thanks to the many professional and citizen journalists who contributed their work.

The corporate media are the handmaidens of the power elite. Their propagandistic arm, if you will. This is no accident. They knew that in order to control the people, they had to control the message. So they went on a binge of buying the independent newspapers, television and radio station or putting those who refused to sell out of business.

I can attest to the awfulness of working for a corporate-owned newspaper. Even as the editor, I was subjected to being told what I could publish and the nouns and adjectives that were forbidden in headlines. The publisher I had enjoyed working for was a wonderful man who gave his editors complete autonomy and we repaid his confidence in us by putting out quality newspapers. Thinking he was doing us a favor that would result in better pay and benefits, he sold the papers to a big corporation that knew nothing about journalism but, unbeknownst to him at the time, had a right-wing political agenda and thought nothing of breaching the wall between editorial and advertising. A month after the corporate mob took over, as much as I loved journalism and had enjoyed my job as editor, I quit.

Watching what was happening to the US news media, I seethed. Then along came the Internet and I met Jane Prettyman, who was publishing The Real News Page online. Jane encouraged me to start my own online publication, hence Online Journal. Alas, Jane departed this earth on June 24 of this year and, to my regret, we lost contact over the years, but I shall always credit her for persuading me to publish online, first as Online Journal and now as Intrepid Report.

Intrepid Report, as was Online Journal, is an independent, reader-supported publication championing the rights of the people. I receive and want no funding from corporations or foundations. I rely on donations from you, the readers, to keep Intrepid Report going.

Together, we have come a long way in 15 years and, with your help, we can continue to be an alternative to the so-called “mainstream” and “quasi-alternative” media. You can make a one-time or recurring donation by clicking here. If you prefer to donate by check or money order, email me at editor@intrepidreport.com for a mailing address.

Bev Conover is the editor and publisher of Intrepid Report. Email her at editor@intrepidreport.com.