It is a fascinating time to be the publisher of The Dallas Morning News, and one could argue the role of the free press has never been so widely debated. On my first day as publisher, I spoke to our employees about perspective, and it may be helpful for you to understand my perspective as well.

First, a few words about me. I grew up in Albuquerque, N.M., in a family with a long history of public service and community involvement. I received my undergraduate degree at the University of Kansas, and my wife and kids would tell you I have a strong passion (verging on addiction) for Kansas basketball. My wife, Katie, and I ultimately found our way to North Texas, and I received my MBA from Texas Christian University. We fell in love with Texas and have been here ever since.

We have three children, ages 8 to 11, and my wife and I are enjoying the frenetic schedule of raising them in this stage of life. We have been members of Highland Park United Methodist Church for over a decade, and our family and faith mean a great deal to us.

I come to my new job with three points of view. The first is historical. It is an honor to be named the eighth publisher of The Dallas Morning News, which has been serving our community for 133 years. This company has endured because it has focused on excellence and a set of core principles. We believe so deeply in these principles that we have them written in stone on the facade of our former building and towering above our lobby in our new headquarters.

Our Rock of Truth says:

“Build the news upon the rock of truth and righteousness. Conduct it always upon the lines of fairness and integrity. Acknowledge the right of the people to get from the newspaper both sides of every important question.”

They are the words of George Bannerman Dealey, the first publisher of The Dallas Morning News, dating to 1885. His words are as true today as they were a century ago. Our goal as a media company is to provide you with news that is accurate and balanced and informs you about the important things happening in your community.

My second perspective is local. Although I was not born in Dallas, I have lived here for 15 years and I believe we live in the greatest city in the United States. We are the home to big business, big dreams, and people with a unique charm and sense of caring. My team and I are fortunate to be covering a city that is thriving, and our goal is to push Dallas, Fort Worth and all of North Texas to become even better places to live, prosper and call home.

We will continue to challenge elected officials, business people and civic leaders to raise the bar for Dallas; I see this as an essential part of the press’s role in our nation. While North Texas is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, there is still room for improvement in many areas, including public transportation, education, income inequality and strengthening our central business district.

My last perspective involves you, our reader. Much as we intend to hold our community accountable, we need you to hold us accountable as well. The Dallas Morning News is your newspaper, and Dallasnews.com is your digital window to our community. I want to encourage you to give us feedback and interact with us so we know what you like, want and need.

For generations, the newspaper business was a monologue where we told you what we thought you needed to know. The digital age allows us to have a dialogue and form a relationship. We want to hear from you so we can continue to strengthen our news coverage and our city. If you want to share your thoughts with me, please email me at publisher@dallasnews.com.

I look forward to serving you and our community in my new role.

Grant Moise is the publisher of The Dallas Morning News. Email: publisher@dallasnews.com

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