Community, transparency and value

Earlier this week, I found myself on the learning end of a conversation about the state of local newspapers. The conclusion drawn was that although local newspapers perform a vitally important function in our rural communities, they still suffer from the challenges facing the newspaper business writ large.

I did a bit of digging and found that there are enough facts to back both arguments. Some, admittedly, are sourced from industry groups that serve the newspaper industry. We can expect those to be less objective, but I also found supporting evidence from independent think tanks and peer-reviewed academic studies.

A UNC study tells us that 25% of newspapers that existed in 2004 were closed in 2020, with closures disproportionately affecting rural communities. A similar study from Northwestern University acknowledges as much and indicates that the closure rate is accelerating. In 2023, the US lost an average of 2.5 newspapers per week, compared to the previous rate of 2 per week. Those closures also impact the availability of employment opportunities, with about 43,000 jobs having vanished during the same period.

We now have an unprecedented choice of media options that began with the rise of cable news in the 80s. News on the web started a slow crawl in the mid-90s but didn’t gain full traction until the mid-2000s. Digital streaming is now displacing cable, and a wi-fi connection with a $45 Fire Stick feeds us more information than we can digest in a lifetime–perhaps several.

While electronic media presents consumers with a greater number of options, those sources do little to replace the unique qualities of a hometown newspaper. Yes, there may be some overlap with world and national news, but local papers provide coverage of local events, issues, and developments that larger media outlets overlook. In doing so, they are vital to the community, fostering a better-informed, engaged, and connected community.

The non-partisan think tank, Pew Research Center, reports that “ the vast majority of U.S. adults (85%) say local news outlets are at least somewhat important to the well-being of their local community.” Pew adds that the 85% “includes 44% who say local journalism is extremely or very important to their community.”

Newspapers build and maintain a strong sense of regional identity and cohesion, which is critical in connecting people to their communities. The industry organization, American Press Institute, asserts that local newspapers enable public dialogue and civic engagement by offering a platform for diverse community voices.

More importantly, a local newspaper serves as a public forum, allowing community members to express their opinions, share ideas, and engage in public discussion. The resulting discussions are usually (not always) more responsibly and thoughtfully presented than what is typically found in social media. Our local “complaint” page comes to mind.

We see plenty of that in McCook. Whether considering a sales tax or trailers at the lake, the local newspaper informs citizens about local government actions, decisions, and policies, promoting transparency and accountability.

Culturally, local newspapers enrich the community by highlighting local events, arts, and entertainment–and McCook’s burgeoning art scene, a significant point of community pride, has been actively promoted in our local newspaper. Local newspapers are also vital to the preservation of local culture and history, serving as historical records and chronicling a community’s changes over time.

The local economy also benefits from the presence of a local newspaper. It supports businesses by promoting services and events and providing a cost-effective advertising platform. The production and distribution of local newspapers also require human resources, and the employment provided contributes to the community's overall economic health.

The best closing argument comes from the Knight Foundation, which we hear so much about on Public Radio. Their studies indicate that communities with strong local news sources have more transparent and accountable local governments. By providing detailed information on elections, candidates, and ballot measures, local newspapers encourage informed voting and monitor local government to ensure that power structures operate with integrity.

In addition to supporting local businesses, adding to the economy, preserving cultural history, and ensuring government transparency, we are particularly blessed in McCook to have an institution with a 113-year-old history of regional leadership and civic engagement. The newspaper’s founder was politically active and a tireless advocate for public infrastructure, and the additional pages dedicated to McCook’s new water park continue that advocacy.

I know there’s quite a bit of data to unpack here, but that’s the point. All things considered, we receive quite a bit of value for $1.25.