By Haidee V. Eugenio
Variety Assistant Editor

EXACTLY 35 years ago today, the first mimeographed copy of this newspaper was issued.
Like the people of these islands, Variety has also withstood the test of time — the end of the Trusteeship, supertyphoons, earthquakes, tsunami warnings, skyrocketing power bills, pay cuts, copper wire thefts, water outages, garment factory closures, the Jack Abramoff scandal, and renewed threats of a “federal takeover.”
From a small operation using an offset press and a manual typewriter in 1972 when the Northern Marianas was still negotiating its political status with the United States, Variety has become one of the largest and most successful media operations in the region with sister publications in Palau and Guam and correspondents on the other islands of the former Trust Territory and the Philippines.
In the CNMI, the Variety remains the most trusted — and fearless — source of news and views.
“Marianas Variety continues to serve as an independent, objective forum where truth is sought with no fear. Our continued success comes from our readers’ trusting that we will give them something of value and discovery each day,” said the paper’s general manager, Laila C. Younis Boyer.
“We’re for free speech, good government, free enterprise, individual responsibility and community service — then and now,” said editor Zaldy Dandan. “We do not change our editorial stance every time a new governor is elected.”
According to Boyer, “I believe the success of Younis Art Studio Inc. (Variety’s parent company) comes from the hardworking and dynamic group of employees we have had over the years. We have specialized positions, jobs that people need to have a passion for, from our pressmen, reporters, sales, circulation, accounting to the administrative staff. Each employee plays an important role in how well our product is delivered each morning.”
Variety, founded by publishers Abed and Paz C. Younis, printed its first mimeographed copy on March 16, 1972 using an offset press and a manual typewriter. From a weekly, then a twice-weekly publication, Variety began Monday to Friday publication in 1992.
Boyer said the newspaper will continue to be energetic and innovative.
“We are in the process of updating the technology we work with, in hardware and software. We are lifelong learners and our readers and advertisers can expect us to improve our products and services as we grow,” Boyer said.
Since 1972, Variety has been helping community groups and organizations, and started some local events of its own.
“As a community partner, we will continue to maintain a strong and active presence,” said Boyer.
On March 1, the newspaper launched its MV Teen page, dedicated to the islands’ young readers. The paper also plans to have trivia quizzes with prizes for readers throughout the year.
Today, the newspaper launches its new cartoon and horoscope pages.
And as part of Variety’s 35th anniversary celebration and as a way to give back to the community, it gave free one-year subscriptions to the CNMI’s private and public schools, libraries and the hospital.
“We thank our readers, advertisers and customers for all the support through the years. We are very grateful,” Boyer added.