Two days ago, on May 3, we marked Press Freedom Day, an occasion dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of a free press and the need to support newspapers. This year, let us shift our focus not only to national and global challenges faced by the press but also to the significance and value of local printed newspapers in our communities.
In liberal democracies, the press faces considerable challenges. Citizens across the globe are increasingly disengaged from news headlines, preferring to consume entertainment and biased opinions. Many once-promising news startups have failed, and high-quality local news is increasingly scarce. A report issued by Northwestern University last year revealed that in the U.S. alone, newspapers die at a rate of two per week, and the number of journalists has declined from 75,000 in 2005 to 31,400 in 2021. Consequently, journalism has all but vanished from communities, leaving citizens less informed and creating an information vacuum.
Local newspapers serve a crucial function in our society. Echoing Thomas Jefferson’s sentiment, “Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.” Local newspapers connect us to our communities, inform us about critical issues, and hold public officials accountable, making newspapers the lifeblood of democracy and empowering citizens to make informed decisions.
However, as the Northwestern University report indicates, local newspapers face grave threats. The rise of digital media and the decline of traditional advertising revenue have hit local news organizations hard.
Despite these challenges, local newspapers have demonstrated remarkable resilience. For example, The Greenwich Sentinel has found a very supportive community in Greenwich, and we are profoundly grateful.
As the legendary American journalist Edward R. Murrow once said, “A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves.” When local journalism thrives, it keeps the powerful in check and ensures that people’s voices are heard, forming a vital pillar of democracy that we must preserve and nurture.
This year, for Press Freedom Day, let us recognize the essential work of local newspapers which prioritize substance over clickbait, and acknowledge their contributions to our society. We can support them by subscribing, sharing their stories, and recognizing their role in our lives.
British journalist Walter Lippmann stated, “There can be no higher law in journalism than to tell the truth and to shame the devil.” Local journalists, who tirelessly work to inform our communities and strengthen our democracy, are on the frontlines of this fight for truth. As citizens, it is our responsibility to support them in their endeavors and ensure that their work continues to flourish.
Let us stand together in defense of press freedom and the invaluable contributions of local journalism – our democracy depends on it. We should not only celebrate the achievements of journalists worldwide but also take action to support and protect the vital work of local journalists in our own communities. In doing so, we safeguard the foundations of our democracy and ensure that our local main streets remain vibrant hubs for important conversations, where we celebrate and engage with our communities.
Local newspapers are not unlike our local main streets. They serve as the heart of our communities. They foster connections, provide opportunities for dialogue, and contribute to our local culture. Therefore, championing and supporting local journalism is essential for a thriving and healthy democracy.
Finally, we are reminded of a quote by renowned American journalist Walter Cronkite: “Journalism is what we need to make democracy work.”
