March 19, 2024

Committed to community

Last week the vital role newspapers play was thrust into the national spotlight by comedian John Oliver.

Oliver hosts “Last Week Tonight” on HBO and used about 20 minutes of his show to gush about his love of newspaper journalism and to highlight some of the challenges the industry is facing.

I thought the video was brilliant — hilarious, poignant and honest.

One of the most important revelations in his rant — to non-newspaper folks, perhaps — may have been the role newspapers play in delivering news on other platforms. Do you typically try to stay up on current events on Facebook? Google? TV news? These sources are often repackaging the work of newspapers, Oliver said. And I screamed, “Amen!”

Delivering original, timely, accurate news is important. We’re your local connection. The fact is newspapers are connecting you to your community with news and sports coverage you just cannot get anywhere else.

Is it glamorous to sit through a three-hour school board meeting? Is it charming to sludge through mud and rain to report on a business story? Have you ever maneuvered through a city council packet? Approached the scene of a fatal accident? Sat through weeks of a jury trial?

This is our commitment to our readers and to our community. And the thing is — we know what we’re doing. I understand that your neighbor’s boyfriend’s mom may have discovered some neighborhood happening and posted her account on social media. We actually do the same thing — but after we have the facts from legitimate sources.

If newspaper journalists had a beef with any of Oliver’s rant it was his pointing out the perils in the business. Newspapers are “in big trouble,” he said. And I screamed, “Really?”

Newspapers have been in “big trouble” since the invention of radio ... and then TV ... and then the internet ... but somehow we’ve survived. Sure there are large, metropolitan newspapers that are struggling, there is no doubt. But the great news for those working in community newspapers — we’re thriving. Our audience has never been larger. We’re embracing digital while remaining committed to quality print products. We’re generating content and hosting events that get people talking, thinking and acting.

This week we’ve enjoyed celebrating our readers with our inaugural Reader Appreciation Week. There’s still time to join us for our finale at 1 p.m. Friday at the Capitol II Theatre where we will host a free showing of “All the President’s Men.”

In closing, here are three steps to staying more connected with your community by utilizing your community newspaper:

1. Sign up for breaking news alerts. Text the word NDN to 74574 and receive breaking news delivered right on your phone. Don’t worry — we really use it for breaking news only.

2. Figure out your online subscription. I know you’re out there. You pay for a print or online subscription but you’re still answering Google questions when you visit our website. Stop into our circulation department and we’ll get you squared away.

3. Engage. Communicate with those working at the Newton Daily News. Talk about the stories we produce and give us feedback. Write letters to the editor. Communicate regularly with reporters. Follow us on social media.

This is your community newspaper. You have a role in shaping what it is.

Contact Abigail Pelzer
at apelzer@newtondailynews.com