I always wince when someone indirectly or directly implies that local newspapers aren’t as important or influential as they once were or as relevant other mediums.
The dissenters are correct in one aspect, however, when they claim newspapers are different nowadays because we are now full-fledged news, advertising and marketing organizations.
I was recently asked to speak to a local group about this topic. While putting together my talking points, I inadvertently wrote a column. I love it when that happens.
During the discussion with the group, I underscored the significance of our community’s newspaper and how to leverage it effectively. It’s not just a newspaper; it’s our community’s voice. The information we provide may be new to some people and a reminder to others, but it is important nonetheless.
Brandon Roberts
What follows is how I chose to define our roles in what we do:
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Strengthening communities
Local newspapers, websites and social media platforms are vital in informing and engaging communities, fostering local identity and promoting economic growth.
Information dissemination
Newspaper: Deliver community-specific news, such as local events, politics, crime reports and business developments. It enables residents to stay informed about issues that directly affect them.
Website: Function as accessible hubs for news, resources and services, providing real-time updates to the community.
Social media platforms: Enable the rapid sharing of information and news while offering space for public dialogue and immediate feedback.
Community engagement
Newspaper: Features like letters to the editor, community announcements and opinion pieces encourage public discourse and community participation.
Website: Forums, blogs, and comment sections allow community members to interact and foster discussion on various issues.
Social media: Facilitates direct engagement between community members, businesses and local institutions, helping build a sense of belonging.
Local identity and culture
Newspaper: Serve as local history and culture records, documenting traditions and events that larger media outlets might overlook.
Website: Highlight local culture and heritage as digital archives that preserve and promote the community’s identity.
Social media allows users to share stories, cultural events and personal experiences, reinforcing the community’s shared identity.
Accountability and transparency
Newspaper: Reporting about local government and institutions plays a role in ensuring accountability and transparency.
Website: Provide detailed records of government meetings and decisions, making this information widely accessible.
Orangeburg native Richard Dukes has fulfilled his dream of publishing a book, “The Forgotten Son,” a Vietnam War-era story. The book reflects Richard’s storytelling ability, a trait he shares with his father, Bill Dukes, a beloved figure in Orangeburg known for his columns about the town’s history and its people. To relive the insights shared by “Mr. Bill” during the 1980s, readers can access his columns online and explore his legacy alongside Richard’s literary achievement.
Social media: Amplify local issues and concerns, placing pressure on authorities to address them promptly.
Economic impact
Newspaper: Support the local economy by providing advertising space for businesses and covering economic developments in the community.
Website: Help local businesses by providing online visibility and creating opportunities for e-commerce and customer interaction.
Social media: Marketing on these platforms allows businesses to effectively target specific audiences and promote products or services.
Cross-platform integration
Newspaper: Leverage social media and websites to expand the reach of print content and engage a wider audience.
Website: Integrate social media feeds and link to newspaper articles to boost engagement.
Social media: Share content across platforms using strategic tags and hashtags to broaden the community’s reach.
By combining the strengths of each platform, local newspapers, websites and social media create a comprehensive and dynamic information ecosystem that bolsters community ties, fosters active citizenship and supports the local economy.
The next time anyone says local newspapers aren’t important, tell them to say that to someone who lives in a community without one. I’m confident it will change their mind.
Brandon Roberts is the managing editor of Summerville Communications Inc. He may be reached by email at broberts@journalscene.com. This column is made available via the South Carolina Press Association, an organization of South Carolina’s daily and weekly newspapers.
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