David McChesney, BSJ 鈥92, has brought innovation to the heart of Alaska as the publisher of the , 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鈥檚 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.
鈥淲e built a system in the late 鈥90s that allowed journalists with no technical skills to publish stories online with a click,鈥 McChesney said. 鈥淚t was revolutionary at the time.鈥
His work took him across the globe, but Alaska鈥攖he 50th state he visited鈥攂ecame 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 mobile newsroom: Journalism on the go
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鈥檚 commitment to its readers. From covering the to local high school plays, McChesney and his team have brought stories to life.
鈥淲e鈥檙e the only newspaper in our borough, but that doesn鈥檛 mean people have to buy it,鈥 he said. 鈥淲e have to earn their trust by telling the stories that matter to them.鈥
We can be in the middle of nowhere and still have high-speed internet. It鈥檚 not just a newsroom. It鈥檚 a lifeline.
Rebuilding trust through storytelling
McChesney鈥檚 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.
鈥淚 wanted to be a person first, a photojournalist second and a publisher third,鈥 he said. 鈥淎laskans are fiercely independent. They don鈥檛 want you in their business unless you鈥檝e earned their respect.鈥
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.

The Iditarod and the spirit of Alaska
One of the paper鈥檚 most anticipated coverages this year was the Iditarod, the iconic 1,000-mile dog sled race that embodies Alaska鈥檚 rugged spirit. McChesney sees the event as more than a sporting event; it鈥檚 a cultural touchstone.
鈥淭he Iditarod started as a lifeline. It was a way to deliver medicine during a diphtheria outbreak,鈥 he said. 鈥淭oday, it鈥檚 a celebration of endurance and tradition. For our readers, it鈥檚 a reminder of what makes Alaska unique.鈥
The Frontiersman鈥檚 mobile newsroom followed the race, providing real-time updates, photos and videos.
A new era for community journalism
McChesney鈥檚 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.