This week, and every week, newspapers are for you
Americans have more media options than ever. We are inundated with stories, memes, videos and promotions 24 hours a day. Most of us are on social media, which is built to provide an endless feed of content to keep us glued to our screens. And unfortunately, misinformation is prevalent, and much of that content isn’t fact-checked, verified or professionally produced. The result is that we’re not always shown what we need to know, or the information that is most likely to impact our lives. That’s where local newspapers come in. Your local newspaper takes a different approach.
National Newspaper Week is a good opportunity to recognize the commitment that local newspapers make to the communities they serve. Your local newspaper is just that – local. It hires reporters who are trained to provide reliable information about the issues that matter most. Whether it’s the latest happening from the local school board, changes in real estate zoning, high school football scores or a review of that new restaurant you’ve been wanting to try, newspapers deliver what’s important to you.
Your local newspaper is far more than just print. In the ever-changing media landscape, local newspapers have evolved to true multi-channel content providers. From websites to apps, emails, newsletters, video and podcasts, local newspapers are delivering news in innovative ways. As a reader, you get to choose when and where to get the news you need, and no matter the method, you can always be assured what you’re reading is credible and reliable.
Although the format or device readers use to connect with their local newspaper might vary, it’s clear that newspapers are relied on as the source for local news. A recent national study conducted by the independent research firm Coda Ventures, shows that 79 percent of Americans use local newspapers to stay informed about their communities and depend on them to feel connected, to decide where they stand on local issues and to find places and things to do. Further, six out of 10 American adults use newspaper advertising to help them decide what brands, products and local services to buy. It’s clear that local newspapers are vital to healthy communities.
In spite of the new ways to connect with your local newspaper, it’s true that the newspaper industry is facing significant challenges. Rising costs, national competitors and the impact of Big Tech companies using newspapers’ content without compensation have all impacted your local newspaper. Now, more than ever, we need their commitment to journalism's core values. As we recognize National Newspaper Week, let’s focus on the vital role that newspapers play, and consider how we can support them. Subscribing or advertising in your local newspaper not only supports the newspaper but is also an investment in your community.
On a national level, the Community News and Small Business Support Act (HR 4756) has recently been introduced in Congress. This bill would provide local newspapers with financial support for their newsroom employees, and would go a long way to providing your newspaper with support for the reporters and photographers that are sorely needed. Encourage your members of Congress to support this bill!
Whether you access the content from your local newspaper in print or online, remember that it is produced for you. And behind the articles, columns and images your newspaper produces is a team of local residents who are committed to making your community stronger! Join me in thanking your local newspaper – during National Newspaper Week – for the good work it does to keep your community informed.
Read Local, Support Local:
Support community journalism
Emerald Greene Parsons
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Local news plays a vital role in American civic life as a trusted source of critical information. It is a fact that local newspapers serve this vital role by uniting communities and serving as government watchdogs.
That is why it is important to remember that as newspapers are frantically trying to report on small businesses and reminding their readers of the importance of small businesses in the community, the community also remembers that the newspaper itself is a small business in need of its community’s support.
You can help the Florida Press Foundation support its member newspapers by donating to their fundraising campaign or to your favorite local newspaper. With your tax-deductible gift to the Florida Press Foundation, you can help assist local publications like the Monticello News and the Jefferson County Journal to continue to provide the information you need and to cover the stories that matter to you. By donating, you help us keep citizens informed, hold officials accountable and cover the most important topics in our community. Your contributions will equip our newsroom to better serve you and all our readers.
That means:
• More reporters on the street
• More local news about our community
• More local content on the environment and local businesses
A little bit goes a long way. With your help, we can keep the presses running through the hard times and good.
We would very much appreciate your contribution. To make a donation, simply mail a check to the Florida Press Foundation and write in the check memo line that you want the donation to go to the Monticello News and/or Jefferson County Journal. Send it to Florida Press Foundation at 336 East College Ave., Suite 304, Tallahassee Fla. 32301.
Newspapers are important; they give information, they educate people, they create jobs for people, they help improve the levels of literacy, and they offer some form of entertainment. Newspapers help bridge the gap between the public and the government. Without the newspaper reporting about the local government happenings, the citizens would be left in the dark and the government agencies would remain oblivious to the wishes of their constituents. With our Monticello News, Jefferson County Journal and The Front Porch magazine, our main objective is always to inform, educate and entertain.
We are your family, your neighbors and your friends! We share your values and we love our community because we are a part of it! It is our honor and our pleasure to be your source of local news.
Sincerely,
ECB Publishing, Inc.
How does my donation get to my local newspaper?
Donations are processed through the Florida Community News Fund and then sent to the newspaper you select.
Are donations tax deductible?
Yes, donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
The Florida Community News Fund is a program administered by the Florida Press Foundation, tax ID #59-2449377, a 501 (C) (3) organization.
The Florida Press Foundation is registered to solicit charitable contributions in Florida. Financial and other information about the Florida Press Foundation’s purpose, programs and activities can be obtained by visiting https://floridapressfoundation.org or by writing to Florida Press Foundation at 336 East College Avenue, Suite 304, Tallahassee, Fla. 32301.
They accept donations by card or check. If by check, payment must be made to the Florida Press Foundation and write in the check memo line that you want the donation to go to the Monticello News and/or Jefferson County Journal. Send it to Florida Press Foundation at 336 East College Ave., Suite 304, Tallahassee Fla. 32301.
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