Independent Newspapers Inc. -- Crisfield Times

PROFILE: The Crisfield Times covers Somerset County, MD, and Tangier Island, VA which are the heart of Delmarva's fishing and seafood industry. The area boasts a strong agricultural base, too, but the water is a way of life for many small, independent watermen working the Chesapeake Bay for crabs and oysters.

No town better reflects the waterman's culture than Crisfield. It is a tourist destination for boaters, sportsmen and eco-tourists and is fast becoming a favored location for retirees. The community features a state-run marina, airport and hospital/nursing home and residents can find many basic goods and services available right in the city limits. Residents can also travel less than 50 miles to the larger towns of Salisbury and Pocomoke City for additional shopping and entertainment, or travel another couple of hours to Annapolis, Baltimore, Washington, DC, or Norfolk, VA.

In this unique environment, the Crisfield Times is by far the area's most relied upon medium for local news and information.

Our Purpose… The Crisfield Times is owned by a unique trust that enables this newspaper to pursue a mission of journalistic service to the citizens of the community. Since no dividends are paid, the company is able to thrive on profit margins below industry standards. All after-tax surpluses are reinvested in Independent’s mission of journalistic service, commitment to the ideals of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and support of the community’s deliberation of public issues.