By: Dale King
This week’s edition of the Boca Raton Tribune is the first one to go into triple digits. It is a milestone, the 100th edition to be distributed to the wonderful people of Boca Raton. It is a marker in the growth and development of a local paper born out of need when another newspaper failed. Its print edition pays homage to the halcyon days of journalism while its online edition lets the public know we are heading in the direction of new and more complex technology.
I could probably talk on and on about what a community newspaper is. I have been part of five newspapers in just over 40 years in the business. Many of them had to struggle as TV, the Internet and hand-held devices took audiences away. But there are people who long for newspapers. And I found an article written by Richard Eckstrom, the South Carolina state comptroller, written in the Gazette, which addresses that in a very nice way.
“In Pickens County, the local ‘Meals on Wheels’ program announced in early January that it’s teaming up with another organization to prepare emergency food packages for homebound people in case inclement weather creates hazardous driving conditions which prevent Meals on Wheels volunteers from being able to deliver food, according to the Pickens Sentinel.”
“In Hartsville, a group that promotes economic development in the city’s downtown area has been gearing up for a chili cook-off as a way to showcase all that the area has to offer, according to the Hartsville Messenger.”
“In the Lancaster News, the leader of a recent ‘Angel Tree’ charity drive wrote a thoughtful Letter to the Editor thanking the community for its support in helping to provide Christmas gifts for underprivileged children in Lancaster County.”
“According to the Pageland Progressive in Chesterfield County, Miss Pageland, Emily Moody, is working with the ‘Wreaths across America’ program to honor the fallen heroes of the U.S. Armed Forces.”
When I drive around the state for a meeting or speaking engagement, as I did recently, I try to make sure to pick up a copy of the local community newspaper wherever I go. You see, I’ve always had a special fondness for community newspapers, mainly because of the valuable role they play: They bring us good news… news that not only keeps us informed but also spotlights so many positive things within the community.” It’s not only good news, but you also see crime news and business news, which is the reality of life.
“It seems you can’t turn on the television these days without being bombarded with ‘bad news’ … continued high unemployment, political gridlock in our nation’s capital, violence, crime, over-paid athletes acting like children and celebrities setting poor examples for their fans.”
“Yet, there’s lots of ‘good news’ happening all around us: Churches are holding fundraisers to benefit those who need assistance, civic clubs are working to improve our local quality of life, and Scouts and 4-H’ers are learning the keys to success in life. Parents, grandparents and businesspeople are volunteering in local schools. Students are celebrating achievements, and families are holding reunions.”
“And the pages of community newspapers are a valuable link to this good news. Weekly, non-daily and other local publications draw the community closer together, help neighbors get to know each other a little better, promote worthy causes and raise awareness of the efforts of people, businesses and civic organizations working to make their hometowns a better place.”
“In a very real way, the newspaper you hold in your hand helps strengthen your community and improve your quality of life.”