Local and national media figures comment on The Arab American News’ silver anniversary:

“Knowing the difficulties faced by all newspapers, especially what in my industry

is called the ethnic media, it is with great appreciation that we have viewed the considerable success of The Arab American News. I do not know if readers quite understand how difficult it is to publish a newspaper, and how much more difficult it is to make a success of publishing one that covers a specific ethnic community in the United States. But The Arab American News has both stood the test of time and done much to shine a light on people, places and issues too long undiscovered by many, if not most, Americans. We are privileged to have it in our midst. Indeed, as a newspaperman, I view the effort and fortitude over a quarter century as heroic.”

Gregg Krupa, Detroit News
“When I first came to Detroit in 1995, my career had given me very little experience covering the issues of the Middle East.  Three months after coming to WDIV,

I found myself on a plane bound for Jerusalem to cover the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin.  It launched not only my education on the complex issues facing the region, but also my understanding of the special nature of the communities that make up my city.  Captivated by what I’d learned, I came home an eager student.  And on my return, the Arab American News and my lengthy conversations with Osama Siblani were invaluable to me.  (They still are.)

I’ve always believed that it takes a wide array of journalism to have an understanding the world around us.  No one should be relying on only one paper, one magazine or one broadcast.  And the Arab American News is an important element in that mix.  Congratulations to the Arab American News on reaching this milestone.  Here’s hoping that we realize how terribly important healthy newspapers are to our communities, our nation and our very democracy.” 

Devin Scillian, WDIV-TV, NBC Detroit

“The Arab-American News has played a vital role for a quarter century  in informing the metro Detroit community at large of the activities and news from an important part of our ethnic groups. The newspaper and its editors have been in the forefront of protecting the rights of all citizens and making sure the community at large understand the rich heritage which Arab-Americans bring to Michigan making it a better place to live, work and enjoy cultural activities.”

Ben Burns, Director, Wayne State University Journalism Program

“Journalists everywhere aspire to give voice to the voiceless. The Arab American News has been doing exactly that and so much more ever since the very first issue.”

Joe Grimm, Editor in residence, Michigan State University
 

“The Arab American News is an important outlet in our community. Ethnic media is significant to enhancing the growth of all communities. I

congratulate the publisher Osama Siblani and the staff and the readers of the Arab American News for another milestone. Whether it is the Michigan Chronicle, the Latino Press, the Jewish News or the Korean News we are all charged with the vital task of informing our communities about issues that matter to them.”

Bankole Thompson, Senior Editor, The Michigan Chronicle

“With thanks and congratulations to The Arab American News, a founding partner for New America Media, at the forefront of the new global-local paradigmof 21st century journalism, a convenor of communities.”

Sandy Close, Executive Director, New America Media

“It is always an honor to work with The Arab American News, an invaluable and long-time ethnic media partner.  Congratulations on 25 years of journalistic excellence, dedication and diligence in serving the Arab American community and amplifying Arab American voices otherwise unheard in the national discourse. TAAN never fails to provide timely, exceptional and critical stories that address the Arab world as well as Arab America.  Best wishes for many more years of continued success.”

Suzanne Manneh, Media Coordinator, Arab Media Monitor, New America Media