Harlan editor welcomes coal expansion but finds ‘baffling’ lack of effort to diversify

Dire statements about the coal industry being under attack from the news media have become more common in recent months, but one Eastern Kentucky newspaper editor writes that blame may be misplaced. "We certainly recognize the importance of the coal industry to Harlan County and have hundreds of stories in our files about mining and growing up in mining camps," John Henson, editor of the Harlan Daily Enterprise, writes. "We aren’t, however, shills for the coal industry and recognize and report on the dangers of working in coal mines."

Hnson continues, "You can’t be too concerned about being criticized in the newspaper business. If you can dish it out, as the saying goes, you have to be able to take it, and we make mistakes like everyone else. But as far as coal is concerned, I have no doubt the Enterprise has given both sides numerous opportunities to speak out about the mining industry, from coal lobbyists to environmentalists and everyone in between."

Henson goes on to agree with many local leaders that Massey Energy's recent purchase and plans to expand of coal mines in Harlan County is great news for locals. However, he says that's no reason for the government to stop looking for ways to diversify the local economy. "When the coal business is good, business is good for Harlan County, which is good for the Harlan Daily Enterprise and any other media outlets in the area, and we can all use all the good news we can get these days," Henson concludes. (Read more)