Boulder Weekly: The Legacy of an Alternative News Publication
The landscape of local journalism in Colorado was significantly shaped by Boulder Weekly, a publication that evolved from a business opportunity into a powerhouse of investigative reporting. Founded by Sallo, the paper filled a critical void in the Boulder community, providing a voice for alternative perspectives and aggressive news coverage for over three decades.
The Origins and Evolution of Boulder Weekly
Following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, Sallo departed Santa Cruz, California, where he had owned the publications Summer Santa Cruz and Student Guide. By 1992, he shifted his focus toward Boulder, Colorado, relocating in 1993. The inaugural edition of Boulder Weekly was published on August 19, 1993.
While the paper began as a strategic business move to enter a market lacking a weekly newspaper, its mission shifted in 1994. A pivotal article by Joel Dyer titled "Deadly ground: Beech Aircraft toxins poison open space," published on September 14, 1994, redefined the publication's purpose. This piece steered Boulder Weekly toward a more aggressive, alternative approach to journalism, prioritizing investigative depth over standard reporting.
[no image available]Editorial Leadership and Investigative Milestones
The editorial direction of the paper was shaped by a series of influential editors who maintained a commitment to hard-hitting news. Joel Dyer, who catalyzed the paper's shift in direction, eventually served as editor before leaving to author books and launch the Fort Collins Weekly between 2002 and 2007.
Following Dyer, Greg Campbell continued the investigative tradition. One of his most notable contributions was the April 19, 2001, article "Eternal flame: Think you've paid at the pump? Try paying with your life. Boulder Weekly visits Nigeria," which exposed the hardships of a Nigerian village caused by an Italian gas company. Campbell is also recognized as the author of Blood Diamonds: Tracing the Deadly Path of the World's Most Precious Stones.
The publication saw further leadership from Wayne Laugesen, formerly of Soldier of Fortune magazine, and Pamela White, who became the first female editor of the paper in 2003 after her tenure at the Colorado Daily. Joel Dyer returned to the editor role in November 2011, remaining as editor-at-large until April 6, 2023. The final editor appointed was Shay Castle on October 30, 2023.
The Final Chapter and Transition Efforts
Despite facing competition from Boulder Planet between 1996 and 2000, Boulder Weekly remained a staple of the community. However, in December 2024, publisher Sallo announced his intention to retire. In response, the staff initiated a fundraising campaign to explore transitioning the newspaper into an employee-owned co-op, a business model where the workers own and manage the organization collectively.
Ultimately, the transition did not prevent the closure of the publication. Boulder Weekly published its final issue in July 2025. In a subsequent interview with the community radio station KGNU, Sallo defended the decisions leading to the paper's conclusion.
Key Facts
- Founded: August 19, 1993, by Sallo.
- Editorial Shift: Moved to aggressive investigative news in 1994 following a report on Beech Aircraft toxins.
- First Female Editor: Pamela White, appointed in 2003.
- Notable Coverage: International investigative pieces on Nigerian gas companies and blood diamonds.
- Closure: The final issue was published in July 2025.
| Period/Date | Key Event/Editor | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| August 19, 1993 | Launch | First edition hits the stands. |
| September 14, 1994 | Joel Dyer's Toxins Article | Shift to alternative/aggressive news direction. |
| 1996 – 2000 | Competition | Rivalry with Boulder Planet. |
| 2003 | Pamela White | First woman to serve as editor. |
| December 2024 | Retirement Announcement | Sallo announces retirement; co-op campaign begins. |
| July 2025 | Final Issue | Publication ceases operations. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused Boulder Weekly to change its editorial focus?
The paper shifted toward an aggressive, alternative news style in 1994 after Joel Dyer published a significant investigative piece regarding Beech Aircraft toxins poisoning open space.
Who was the first woman to edit Boulder Weekly?
Pamela White became the first female editor of the publication in 2003, joining from the Colorado Daily.
Did the staff attempt to save the paper from closing?
Yes, in December 2024, the staff launched a fundraising campaign to investigate the possibility of turning the newspaper into an employee-owned co-op after the publisher announced his retirement.
When did Boulder Weekly officially cease publication?
The publication released its final issue in July 2025.
What other publications were associated with the founder, Sallo?
Before moving to Colorado, Sallo owned two publications in Santa Cruz, California: Summer Santa Cruz and Student Guide.