Newspaper readers are exceptionally smart. They are perceptive, informed and engaged.

The key to any successful newspaper, I believe, is having respect for, and trust in, the readers.

These past few months, the Whidbey News-Times and its sister newspaper, The South Whidbey Record, saw unprecedented subscriber growth at a time when many newspapers across the country are battling just to hang on to subscribers.

We are seeing similar subscription growth with our online versions of the newspapers.

One sidenote — it’s becoming increasingly evident that print readers prefer print only, and online readers prefer online only. Interesting, eh?

Whatever form our subscribers take the paper, I am grateful and appreciative.

Our readership growth is a testament to our dedicated, full-time staff of 21, as well as the carriers, who understand the impact the local newspaper can have in people’s lives.

One of my favorite things to do as an editor and publisher is visit with people who pop into our Oak Harbor office to subscribe. Almost to a one, they say they were renewing their subscription — or resubscribing after a several years off — because they felt they were missing out on what was happening in our community.

Some subscribers come in to exchange wet newspapers or pick one up because they were missed. Sometimes they are mad, but always they are respectful. I understand their frustration. We produce newspapers that we want people to read. I take personally the responsibility of ensuring our readers get their newspaper dry and — God willing — on time.

Far more difficult for me to understand are those in our community who blatantly aim to control the flow of information. Yes, there are people in high-profile positions who think that the only thing readers want, or need, from their local newspaper is fluff. That anything else should be swept under the rug.

These are people who epitomize the phrase, “kill the messenger.” If you hear someone attacking the messenger, ask yourself, “why?” Throughout history, the answer to that question has usually been unsettling at best.

As a journalist by degree and believer in a free press, I don’t accept the notion that people want filtered news. Readers are smart enough to make up their own minds based on facts.

Yes, we do cover lighter stories as part of our mix because they are relevant and interesting. Ultimately, we also have an obligation to empower regular, everyday people with information. That makes a community stronger and more vital. It’s a concept that shouldn’t be scary to anyone.

That’s why it’s important to me that we as a newspaper talk to everyday people, not just politicians or other community leaders.

Ultimately, the leaders work for the everyday people — our readers.

We all witnessed the results of public leaders forgetting who they work for, the Island Transit debacle being an extreme example of unbridled power that nearly brought down a taxpayer-funded entity.

I trust our readers. I trust them to listen to the words that come out of the mouths of those with an agenda, and I trust them to decide for themselves what is true and relevant to them.

And I trust our readers to decide for themselves what information they should get.

Keven R. Graves is editor & publisher of the Whidbey News-Times, South Whidbey Record and The Whidbey Examiner. Reach him at kgraves@whidbeynewsgroup.com