Aviation Needs Stability, Credibility, Expertise, and Integrity...

We're coming off one of the most successful, if not THE most successful, Oshkosh special event coverage programs in our 30 year history. 

It was an uplifting week, despite a few moments of serious heartburn. By now, most of you know that the state of aviation journalism has gone from really really (really) bad... to far worse, as a number of combined publications utilizing practices that disturbed us, appear to be swirling the drain.... taking some good people and a fair amount of the industry with it. 

Worse... some of the practices that so disturbed us seem to have become ingrained in the psyche of the industry to point where some truly abysmal ethical issues have become the norm to a significant percentage of the community. Companies that engage in questionable practices and activities get away with some pretty slimy actions... without question, so long as they pay the right publication the right fee.

I literally lost count of the folks that asked me what it cost to get a "Good Story" out of ANN... often quoting what other pubs and their respective organizations or associations seemed to require. I repeated, again and again, that ANN's editorial programming is not for sale (and more to the point, neither is this company as we have resisted all attempts to sell this company to those who have asked... take of that what you will), and that the only determining factor in what qualified for a story in ANN was its value to the community -- the 'Aero-Verse' that we serve.

Feeling pretty disgusted at what we had seen and heard in this regard, I made a statement on the Friday episode of ANN's Oshkosh Morning Brief... and I simply want to repeat it here... though we will no doubt have more to say as we work our way into the future. 

A Mission Statement on Behalf Of The Aero-News Network, SportPlane Resource Guide,
Affordable Flying Expo, Airborne and ALL Our Programming

For nearly 30 years, the Aero-News Network has chosen the road less traveled—innovating with some of the most dedicated and talented individuals in aviation. ANN is a truly original platform, not a patchwork of recycled or mediocre programs peddled to those with more money than discernment.

We innovate with credibility, integrity, and deep expertise. We don’t pretend to be aviation experts—we are aviation experts. Each of us shares a profound commitment to the safety and well-being of every flyer in the Aero-Verse.

We reject 'pay for play.' We are not for sale. We speak the truth, verify the facts—good or bad—and deliver insight that matters. In an industry where information can mean the difference between safety and danger, we take our responsibility seriously.

At Aero-News, we deliver the truth—even when it’s hard to hear—because we believe you deserve nothing less. We can take the heat, so you don’t have to.

FMI: jim@aero-news.net