A small weekly newspaper in Rutherford County has garnered more attention than the publisher ever expected after local merchants pulled “The Rutherford Reader” from news stands.
It was all the result of complaints that stated the paper was printing “hate speech.”
The Rutherford Reader is found all around the county, but not in Kroger grocery stores. The papers’ publisher said all the fuss is simply a result of political correctness gone too far.
Pete Doughtie never set out to be a political or religious lightening rod. The co-owner and publisher of the “Rutherford Reader” said he simply wanted to create a weekly paper focused on the community. Now, the paper and Doughtie are embroiled in controversy.
“It was a total surprise to us,” said Doughtie.
The free paper was recently pulled from the racks of all the county’s Kroger grocery stores as well as the local chamber of commerce.
“I just think it’s political correctness for the most part,” Doughtie told NewsChannel 5.
The issues stem from content. Complaints were made regarding articles on Islam.
“If you run anything that is the truth, and they don’t like it then you’re a racist or a bigot. I’ve never been called that until now,” said Doughtie.
Several local businesses agreed the columns amounted to “hate speech”. Doughtie said that’s not true.
“Nobody has zeroed in on a particular issue or article that they’ve given to me that justifies what they’re calling hate speech and to throw us out of any place,” said Doughtie.
The “Rutherford Reader” hasn’t been given the boot in every local establishment. In fact, more distributors have come on board and they can’t understand all the fuss.
“People usually grab it right when they walk in the door and sit down and read it. I haven’t had anybody say anything.” said Kerri Ter Mors manager of Ahart’s pizza garden.
Doughtie admitted that the “Rutherford Reader” has a conservative slant. He also has a bit of advice for anyone who has an issue with wants printed.
“If you don’t care for the content of the reader, walk past it,” Doughtie told NewsChannel 5.
The Rutherford Reader has a weekly circulation of about 10,000 and have nearly 50,000 online subscribers.