Revolutionizing reporting

David McChesney, BSJ ’92, has brought innovation to the heart of Alaska as the publisher of the Frontiersman, a local newspaper serving a south-central region of the state. His unconventional approach, operating a mobile newsroom from a solar-powered trailer, has redefined community journalism in one of the most remote regions of the United States.

McChesney’s career has spanned the evolution of media, from the early days of digital photography to the rise of online publishing. After graduating from OHIO, he became a pioneer in digital journalism, developing a content management system for small newspapers long before the internet became mainstream. 

“We built a system in the late ’90s that allowed journalists with no technical skills to publish stories online with a click,” McChesney said. “It was revolutionary at the time.”

His work took him across the globe, but Alaska—the 50th state he visited—became his latest and most adventurous chapter. Hired as the Frontiersman's publisher in 2023, McChesney saw an opportunity to reconnect the paper with its community in an Alaskan way.

The challenges of covering news reports and stories in the largest state of the country with just two reporters meant McChesney had to get innovative. He transformed a trailer into a fully equipped mobile newsroom. Outfitted with Starlink satellite internet, solar panels and heating, the trailer allows his team to report from anywhere in Alaska, even in the harshest conditions.

The mobile newsroom has become a symbol of the Frontiersman’s commitment to its readers. From covering the Iditarod to local high school plays, McChesney and his team have brought stories to life.

“We’re the only newspaper in our borough, but that doesn’t mean people have to buy it,” he said. “We have to earn their trust by telling the stories that matter to them.”

McChesney’s approach goes beyond technology. Embedding himself in the community, often arriving with a camera before introducing himself as the publisher, he has built relationships with readers.

“I wanted to be a person first, a photojournalist second and a publisher third,” he said. “Alaskans are fiercely independent. They don’t want you in their business unless you’ve earned their respect.”

The strategy has paid off. In January 2024, the paper gained 54 new subscribers, a testament to its renewed relevance. The Frontiersman now features expanded coverage, including military affairs, student life and local sports. These are topics that had long been absent from its pages.

One of the paper’s most anticipated coverages this year was the Iditarod, the iconic 1,000-mile dog sled race that embodies Alaska’s rugged spirit. McChesney sees the event as more than a sporting event; it’s a cultural touchstone.

“The Iditarod started as a lifeline. It was a way to deliver medicine during a diphtheria outbreak,” he said. “Today, it’s a celebration of endurance and tradition. For our readers, it’s a reminder of what makes Alaska unique.”

The Frontiersman’s mobile newsroom followed the race, providing real-time updates, photos and videos.

McChesney’s work in Alaska is a testament to the power of adaptability and innovation in journalism. Whether braving subzero temperatures or navigating the digital landscape, he remains committed to the core principles he learned at OHIO.