Is the Gazette biased against UNE?

From the March 7 issue of the Biddeford Gazette | Reader levels charge of news bias, editor disagrees

By RANDY SEAVEREditor

A former Biddeford resident who now lives in Ada, Mich., recently sent an email to the Biddeford Gazette complaining that we have been “unfair and biased” toward the University of New England.

In his March 6 email, Bernard Roy – a 1971 Biddeford High School graduate – expressed disappointment regarding the Gazette’s coverage of issues connected to UNE.

Roy specifically raised concerns about our March 5 story | Was Sen. Collins misled by UNE?

Roy also expressed outrage that the Gazette “ignored” a letter-to-the-editor he sent to us on Feb. 28, somehow missing the fact that his letter was actually published by the Biddeford Gazette three days later, on March 2, 2026.  LETTER | City is Treating UNE Unfairly

The Gazette regularly and frequently publishes a high volume of news focused on the city of Biddeford. Thus, it is understandable how Roy could have missed seeing his letter published on our site.

The Gazette strongly encourages and promotes transparency and reader feedback regarding our coverage. Go here to submit your own letter

In the interests of transparency and full disclosure, the Gazette is sharing its unedited emailed response to Mr. Roy today, March 7.

“I would advise you to tread carefully before you accuse me and/or the Biddeford Gazette of any negative “bias” toward the University of New England.

1.) We did, in fact, publish your letter to the editor on Monday, March 2, which coincidentally was my birthday and a very busy news day. Here is the link to your piece in the Gazette: LETTER: City is treating UNE unfairly – BIDDEFORD GAZETTE

2.) I did feel compelled to attach an “editor’s note” to your submission. I know that you grew up in Biddeford and graduated from Biddeford High School (Class of 1971) so I was quite surprised that you would complain about how poorly your sister was treated by parking enforcement at Goose Rocks Beach. Most Biddeford folks know that Goose Rocks Beach is located in the town of Kennebunkport, not in the city of Biddeford. I also was left scratching my head, trying to figure how that particular incident has any bearing on the issue at hand . . .

READ THE REST OF OUR RESPONSE HERE

What do you think?