Response to Scientology insert

The Mission Times Courier has received multiple emails, letters and phone calls pertaining to the Church of Scientology insert that is periodically delivered with the paper. Advertising decisions are beyond the scope of the editorial department, however, due to the number of responses we’ve received, I asked our publisher to clarify the paper’s position on groups — religious or otherwise — advertising in the paper. His response is as follows:

“Our advertising policy shall apply to all print, online and email advertisements that are submitted to SDCNN publications. SDCNN reserves the right to reject or cancel any ad at any time.

We feel any legitimate business has the right to advertise in the pages of our hyper-local community newspapers, including controversial businesses such as Scientology, marijuana-related operation, adult entertainment, etc. Whether our readers agree or disagree to these types of businesses, we feel they have the right to promote their enterprise.

The businesses who pay for advertisements in our free newspaper are the ones who make it possible for us to continue publishing. We are a small business dealing with all the challenges these turbulent times present to newspapers. These advertisers are our only source of income to pay for printing, distribution, editors and writers, operations, etc. If it were not for our advertisers, we would not be able to remain in business and your community would not have a newspaper.

Your community newspaper offers you a voice, news and information about your local community. We try to promote dialogue about the issues and concerns that face your community. We encourage readers to write letters to the editor to share your concerns and issues regarding anything within our pages.

We hope you value your newspaper enough to continue to read it, however, should you no longer wish to receive our newspaper simply email us your address and we will discontinue delivery.”