FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PENDLETON, Ore. – As the publisher of Pendletonian Times, I would like to take a moment to address some comments I made recently at East Oregonian’s office:
On Saint Patrick’s Day, 2025, I stopped by East Oregonian’s office unannounced and arrived in a, shall we say, “festive” state.
I’d like to apologize if my behavior that day was perceived as anything other than good-natured and enthusiastic. Unfortunately, it’s been reported that I may have gotten a bit too carried away with the conversation, using words like “dammit” and “shite” in the presence of their staff (much to my own chagrin).
As I reflected on my encounter with Phil Wright, East Oregonian’s current editor and former beat reporter, also known affectionately (and perhaps tongue-in-cheek) as “Phil Wrong,” I was reminded of his reputation for fearless reporting. Those who have been covered by him would no doubt attest to his dedication to seeking out the truth, even in the face of adversity.
Personally, I’ve had my own experiences with Phil’s reporting, particularly regarding the 2009 hate crime that affected our community. While I won’t rehash those details here, I will say that his coverage was instrumental in bringing attention to this important issue and helping to bring about justice.
In contrast, my own approach is unapologetically raw and often provocative. I believe in challenging the status quo and pushing boundaries, even if it means ruffling some feathers. My coverage might not be polished or traditional, but it’s authentic and unafraid to take risks. And yeah, sometimes that means showing up to cover stories with a few too many drinks under my belt – after all, what’s the point of being there if you’re not going to live it?
This philosophy is one I’ve had since I was 16 years old, when I first discovered the inimitable Hunter S. Thompson and his iconic Gonzo journalism mantra: “When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro!” Those words have stuck with me ever since, inspiring me to take a more unconventional approach to storytelling.
In fact, my own foray into journalism began at Pendleton High School’s student newspaper, the Pendleton Lantern, I think it was called … as entertainment editor, I wrote a piece on underground music in Pendleton during Round-Up that was essentially Gonzo journalism – it was raw, unfiltered, and unapologetic. While it didn’t get picked up by the powers that be, it was a defining moment for me as a writer and journalist.
I was just 16 when I first stumbled upon Hunter S. Thompson’s work, but it wasn’t until much later that I grasped the full extent of his revolutionary journalism. What struck me then – and still resonates with me today – is the idea that true storytelling happens in the moment, on the ground, where the action is happening. For Thompson, that meant being embedded with the characters he wrote about, soaking up their stories and experiences firsthand.
That’s the approach I’d like to bring to Pendletonian Times: a commitment to being present, to observing and reporting on the world around us in all its messy, beautiful complexity. I want our readers to feel like they’re right there with me, experiencing the sights, sounds, and emotions of the stories we tell.
Now, as I look back on my own journey, I realize that my approach is not dissimilar from Thompson’s. We both have a tendency to push boundaries, challenge norms, and take risks in pursuit of the truth. And yeah, sometimes that means getting weird – but like Thompson said, “the weird turn pro!”
When I attended an Oregon Department of Forestry press tour at the Slickfork Saloon in October 2025, I noticed that one of the board members – a lawyer with ties to a major forestry company – seemed particularly cautious about sharing information around me. Later, he told his colleagues to be careful around me, suggesting that I might be looking for sensitive information.
I assured him that my goal was simply to gather accurate and balanced reporting on the department’s work, and that I would respect any confidentiality agreements or boundaries he wished to establish. While our conversation did take some unexpected turns, I believe it ultimately led to a productive exchange of ideas and information.
One of the most surprising outcomes of that experience came when I spoke with an anonymous source within the Oregon Department of Justice. They directed me to valuable resources that have become essential tools in my work. It’s moments like these that remind me of the importance of building trust and rapport with sources, even in complex and potentially sensitive situations.
In any case, I want to assure our readers that while I was perhaps not at my most sober or composed, my passion for journalism and community coverage remained unwavering. Pendletonian Times is dedicated to covering topics that might not get the attention they deserve from more traditional outlets, and we’ll continue to do so with the same spirit and conviction that drives me to share my thoughts with the world.
As an anarchist journalist, I believe in the power of individual freedom and self-expression. Our mission is to empower readers with information and insights that challenge the status quo and inspire positive change.
While East Oregonian has its place in our community, I firmly believe that there is a need for more diverse voices and perspectives in local journalism. That’s why Pendletonian Times will continue to strive for excellence in reporting, commentary, and conversation – even if it means being a little unconventional at times.
For more information, please contact James Tibbets at (541) 215-8141.
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