It’s like one of those dreams, you’re in a panic, late for the school bus–yet it’s Sunday and you’re 48. You waken to a feeling of confusion, what does this mean? I had that happen to me this week, except it wasn’t the school bus I was missing. It was truth.
Sounds strange doesn’t it? Let me explain.
I was visiting with one of our advertisers in the Waldron area, who was sharing that the “corporate daily,” had notified them they would no longer service subscribers. My response without really thinking was, “wow, they abandoned Waldron?” His response, “no, we abandoned them.” We finished our business, but the conversation was something I kept replaying in my head.
We all know the day is coming. It’s inevitable, a shift to digital delivery. I get it. The generation of folks who like a newspaper in their hand is shrinking. But, what happens next is what concerns me.
Legitimate. News Sources. Truth…it’s in the crosshairs. What does that mean? It means, if you aren’t concerned, you should be. No, this isn’t a doomsday speech. But, little by little you are seeing the journalists, the fact finders, the bridges between government and the people, abandoned for social media, community groups and blogs.
What’s the big deal you say? That’s what is convenient. I agree 110%. It is convenient. That is why it is imperative for news organizations to provide online and web-based news options. Here’s the caveat, however, who supports that free news you read online? Merchants? Maybe a few here and there. So then, how do paid employees, using costly web services, continue to provide a viable resource–truth in reporting?
I can’t answer that. I think that’s the “I’m late for the bus feeling.” Will the people be “abandoned?” That’s a real possibility.
When I say this, I mean it with the utmost respect. Community groups, blogs, etc., they are fun to engage in. But when it comes down to it, moderators and admins aren’t most likely taking the time to ensure that information that is published is factual. They are not going to send FOIA requests when a government official is in question. They are not going to read through a fatality report and decide what’s need to know and what will further harm an already devastated family. You cannot be assured that what you read is anything more than opinion.
Furthermore, with the closure of reputable newspapers, meeting notices, legal notices, notices that inform you, the public, are now just appearing haphazardly in your newsfeed.
We are NOT corporate media, we aren’t driven or influenced by politics. We take personally the responsibility of bridging the informational gap.
The APA’s motto states “Democracy Dies in Darkness.” The financial snuffing out of news agencies is a step into a giant black hole. I want to pause here a moment and say how much I appreciate the Arkansas Press Association’s support in fighting for publications like ours.
Ultimately, it’s up to the public to decide. I respect that, too.
But for the ones this may have struck a chord with, I ask that you support/continue supporting us:
1.) Subscribe to our newspaper
2.) Tell others about us (FREE)
3.) Like/subscribe to our social media – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (FREE)
4.) Share our content (FREE)
5.) Support/shop local businesses who support what we do
It is my hope that we are able to continue to find new and improved ways to provide the locally focused, accurate news you’ve come to expect from us.
I would also like to add, that if you have questions, concerns or suggestions, we would LOVE to hear from you! – EMAIL –
For now, we renew our commitment and pledge to deliver unbiased, factual news+sports to our coverage area, and to YOU, our readership.
