Write Hard, Die Free: Dispatches from the Battlefields & Barrooms of the Great Alaska Newspaper War

by Howard Weaver

Howard Weaver advanced from foot soldier to field marshal in the Alaska Newspaper War, but he never left the fight. He spent time with small-town hoodlums and big-time politicians, crossed swords with Big Oil and Big Labor, and edited the Anchorage Daily News to the most unlikely David and Goliath upset in American journalism history and helped his newspaper win two Pulitzer Prizes along the way. Weaver cared passionately and fought fiercely in every political struggle of his era, from oil development to Native sovereignty, from park land designations to environmental activism. The Anchorage Daily News pulled no punches in telling Alaska's story, and Weaver has pulled none in this account of a fierce, take-no-prisoners battle to the death between his newspaper and the Anchorage Times.

Genres: Journalism

240 pages, Paperback

First published March 25, 2012

Reviews

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was of keen interest to me since I worked at the Anchorage Times during the newspaper "war" and the Exxon Valdez spill and for Howard and the Daily News afterward. For me the irony was always that the Times, while being the conservative, oil industry mouthpiece owned by a Republican, was actually the more fun, less snooty, less politically correct newsroom. I bonded there with more people than I ever did at the ADN.

There were many dedicated journalists at the Times who Howard gave somewhat short shrift to in this book, among them talented journalists who went on to greater things. Some come to mind: Bob Ortega, Beau Brendler, John Quinley, Ken Armstrong and Mitch Lipka to name just a very few.

After working at the ADN for eight years, there were still many members of the old guard who never even acknowledged my presence, let alone had a conversation with me over that time, even if we were the only two people walking toward each other in an otherwise empty hallway.

I also take great umbrage with Howard's little-concealed disdain for copy editors. Despite having his friends read his book pre-publication, the lack of a real copy editor's touch was stunning in its obviousness. There were times when the typos, dropped words and repetition made me put the book aside because it was just too painful.

Despite all this, I think it's an important book about a slice of Alaska's history, newspapers' history and Howard's history. I have the utmost respect for Howard and immensely enjoyed working for him. But please, Howard, hire a copy editor for your next book!

[Rich Saskal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read for anyone who loves journalism. Mr. Weaver is tooting his own horn a bit in this tale of his experiences in the trenches of Alaska journalism in a time of great changes within the practice of journalism and in Alaska itself. The cast of characters is fascinating and the setting is epic. What is oddly lacking here is some big-picture editing, as the narrative is kind of fragmented from chapter to chapter and the book assumes a little inside-baseball knowledge on the readers park. Nonetheless an entertaining and informative book that kept me turning pages.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant first-person perspective on forty-odd years of Alaskan life and newspaper journalism by one of the frontline actors. Worth reading for the historical perspective, for the insights into the role of the newspaper in society, and for the quality of story-telling Weaver brings to events. Howard Weaver is a true model of the equitable and socially responsible reporter, and reading this reminded me there are people out there still who believe in fighting for ethics and transparency in the news. Poor boy makes good, indeed.

[Reb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love reading books about when I first moved to Anchorage. How times have changed.

[Andy Perdue · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first met Howard Weaver, he was a savvy executive for The McClatchy Co. I quickly came to admire him and think of him as a role model, colleague, mentor and friend.

I knew a bit about his background as a gritty reporter and editor at the Anchorage Daily News and that he was an integral part of two Pulitzers.

Now I understand his story, and I admire him even more. This is a fantastic account of the legendary battle between the ADN and the Anchorage Times, a war not too dissimilar to the Star Wars trilogy themes of good vs. evil.

I don't usually need reminding why I became a newspaperman, but "Write Hard, Die Free" energizes me and helps me to further appreciate the importance of my profession and the times we are facing.

This is among my favorite books on the noble profession and will sit alongside "Buying the Night Flight" by Georgie Anne Geyer.

[Mark Dodson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An autobiographical account of the author’s start in journalism and how it progressed with Alaska’s two largest newspapers going head to head. There are lots of hard times, heavy drinking, and funny stories in the early days as an upstart paper. After getting more established, there are new issues and some serious journalism, which paved the way to a couple of Pulitzer prizes.

I liked that the author matured over time and acknowledged his mistakes over the couple decades this covers, and gives a lot of credit to coworkers and individuals who were key players in making some big accomplishments happen. If you have some journalism or newspaper experience, you’ll likely find this to be a very interesting read.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read about the rollicking days of the newspaper war in Anchorage. It's written by someone who knows -- Howard Weaver -- who led the effort by the upstart Anchorage Daily News to replace The Anchorage Times as the largest and best newspaper in the state.

As good as the journalism was by The Daily News -- and it WAS excellent -- the newspaper won the war because of C.K. McClatchy's deep pockets and because of the intransigence of Bob Atwood, owner/publisher of The Times.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by a dear friend, the book tells the story of when Anchorage, Alaska was truly the last frontier, and where great things could be done at a very early age. It does not have a very happy ending, however.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that really captures the art and craft of print journalism and follows the industry through to the digital age. Timeless insight on leadership that would be applicable to any industry. Very enjoyable.

[Pam Butcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read on a subject that will disappear from the American landscape sooner rather than later. It also reminds me that investigative journalism is rapidly disappearing as well. Job well done Howard.

[Ed Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting times during the Alaska Newspaper War, which I'd known nothing about until Weaver's account.

[Lynne Curry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always enjoyed Howard Weaver's writing and was glad to see/read his book & check out his FB/twitter.

[Bruth George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alaska and Anchorage history