Don Nelson

About Don Nelson

Don Nelson

Don Nelson is owner/publisher/editor of the weekly Methow Valley News in north-central Washington state. He was previously editor of a daily newspaper in western Washington and has more than 40 years of experience in newspapers and magazines.

The making of a (born) journalist

By Story Craft March 17, 2023

By Don Nelson When we first meet Carl Bernstein (as portrayed by Dustin Hoffman) in the opening minutes of “All the President’s Men,” he’s a shambles. Shaggy hair, tieless, frayed shirt collar, unbelted jeans, tennis shoes, constant cigarette, one … Read more

Lessons from a relentless “Reporter”

By Story Craft August 16, 2019

“Reporter” had to be the inevitable title for legendary investigative journalist Seymour M. Hersh’s 2018 autobiography. It’s perfect — a simple, proud word that encompasses craft, passion and conscience. In Hersh’s telling, it’s the grandest … Read more

Newsroom Ode #10: A loyalist’s last lament

By Short Takes March 11, 2019

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the tenth and last in a series of Monday odes that chronicle the legacy newsroom. Each is written from different first-person perspective. Together they create the mumbled narrative of a special and sadly contracting culture. The author,  … Read more

Newsroom Ode #9: Echoes from an empty desk

By Short Takes March 4, 2019

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the ninth and penultimate in a series of Monday odes that chronicle the legacy newsroom. Each is written from a different first-person perspective. Together they create the mumbled narrative of a special and sadly contracting culture. The … Read more

Newsroom Ode #8: Podium pontifications

By Short Takes February 25, 2019

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the eighth in a series of Monday odes that chronicle the legacy newsroom. Each is written from a different first-person perspective. Together they create the mumbled narrative of a special and sadly contracting culture. The author,  … Read more

Newsroom Ode #6: Sitting pretty at the top

By Short Takes February 11, 2019

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the sixth in a series of Monday odes that chronicle the legacy newsroom. Each is written from different first-person perspective. Together they create the mumbled narrative of a special and sadly contracting culture. The author,  … Read more

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