Our ranking continues with a battle of the media, in a sense, the old media and the… well… young adult media. Among the interesting factors that are likely to affect this list by its next iteration will be trends in how people consume their news and commentary. For the time being, though, that folded paper thing is still a powerhouse.

Say what you will about the Providence Journal, it remains the standard for the news that’s fit to print in the state. The local papers may be more of a must-read affair for those within their markets, but when it comes to Rhode Island and its capital, the Projo sets the record. And Edward Achorn has a strong voice in setting the tone of its opinion pages. We’re not entirely sure about the full duties and responsibilities of the Deputy Editorial-Pages Editor, but Mr. Achorn contributes under his own name, as a member of the editorial board, and as a player in determining what other writers appear on the two-page spread. And of course, the “all the right enemies” thing applies once again. I mean, the unions actually dispatch people to disrupt his talks.

Whether he’s describing the shared Battle of the Unplowed Roads, making politicians on both sides of the aisle squirm, or standing up for those of us who refuse to join the iPhone cult, Dan Yorke sets the topic for Rhode Island’s drive home. With his vast audience, political connections, and considered opinions directly conveyed, Dan is a force in the Ocean State, and the good news is that — be strategic differences what they may — he’s on our side (for the most part).