History
In the early days of Nivora, a group of scholars, dissatisfied with the biased narratives spread by both the Empire and emerging factions, sought to establish a source of reliable and independent news. They pooled their resources, purchased a printing press, and began publishing a modest newsletter called "The Nivoran Observer," distributed through a network of airship couriers and enterprising street vendors.
The demand for unbiased news, unfettered by the agendas of power-hungry empires and self-serving organizations, proved insatiable. The newsletter grew, attracting a diverse team of talented writers, intrepid reporters, and skilled researchers drawn to the pursuit of truth. They expanded their operation, renaming themselves "The Skyway Dispatch" to reflect their ambition to cover the entirety of Yrdde.
They established their headquarters within Aetherstone Hall, a grand testament to Nivora's commitment to knowledge, their offices bustling with activity. With the arrival of magitech communication devices powered by Nivora's colossal Yrddestone, the Dispatch's reach extended across the sky-sea, their news spreading faster than the winds.
Structure
News Divisions
The Dispatch is organized into divisions focusing on specific regions of Yrdde, political factions, cultural events, technological advancements, and, for those daring enough to delve into such treacherous depths, exploration and the mysteries of the old-world.
Editors and Correspondents
Each division is overseen by a seasoned Editor, who assigns stories, reviews drafts, and ensures accuracy (at least within the limits of plausibility and deadlines). Correspondents, a blend of seasoned journalists, freelance writers, and adventurous individuals willing to venture into dangerous territories for a compelling scoop, provide a constant stream of reports, articles, and gossip.
The Printing Press
Despite advancements in magitech communication, the Dispatch still values the physical word, recognizing that information in printed form can reach even the most remote corners of Yrdde. Their printing presses, fueled by a smaller but potent Yrddestone, churn out daily, weekly, and even monthly editions of the Dispatch, distributed via a vast network of couriers, independent airship captains, and black market traders who recognize that even gossip and intrigue hold value in a world starved for information. There have been tentative advancements into radio communication, though it still a pricey and glitchy technology.
Staff Recruitment
Finding individuals brave, resourceful, and skilled enough to join the Dispatch is a constant endeavor. The dangers inherent in pursuing the truth in a world controlled by powerful empires and shadowy factions often lead to staff turnover, whether from untimely demises, disillusionment, or offers from rivals who are less concerned about ethical reporting (and pay much better).
Recruitment Notice Boards
The Dispatch maintains prominent bulletin boards in cities across Yrdde, posting announcements seeking individuals with a “pen sharper than a dagger,” “a thirst for adventure,” and “a spine that can withstand Imperial interrogation tactics.” (Willingness to risk being eaten alive by various hostile forms of wildlife is also a desired qualification, though not usually stated.)
Word of Mouth
The Dispatch network also relies heavily on recommendations from existing staff and connections within the Guilds. Skilled mercenaries seeking alternative income (or bored with guard duty), aspiring adventurers who chronicle their expeditions with flair, and, on occasion, a disgraced scholar seeking to expose injustice - all find their way to the Dispatch's bustling offices, adding their unique talents to the quest for uncovering truth, rumors, and the occasional fabricated tale guaranteed to boost readership.
"The Dispatch? Don’t believe everything they print, darlings. I'd know - half the time, they don't even bother fact-checking my articles before they hit the printing presses. Sure, the Editors have grand speeches about journalistic integrity, blah, blah, blah… but everyone has a price. Just depends on how many crowns you’re holding under their noses. Trust me, there are far more juicy stories hidden in the drafts that never see the light of day – the ones deemed “too dangerous,” “controversial,” or just plain “inconvenient” for the delicate sensitivities of certain influential figures. Back in my father's day, they'd print anything, risk be damned, and sort through the bodies later. Nowadays though, everyone's concerned with job security and not being assassinated by a Corsair in your sleep. Cowards the lot of them." - E Dawnstrider
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