Column: Supporting local media has become patriotic
Often, we ask ourselves, “how can I make a difference? I am only one person and one person really hasn’t much of a voice in government.”
Nothing could be further from the truth. When a local media company folds, studies have shown the cost of local government increases 30% within 4-5 years, civic pride diminishes, voting numbers drop, economic vitality declines and volunteering fades away. This is a unique opportunity that allows just a few voices to make a dramatic impact in the future of your local community.
What can I do now? That is very simple, reach out by phone to your Federal House and Senate representatives and ask them to support this critical piece of legislation. Follow that up with a letter. Let them know how important local media is to your community. Then share this column with your family, friends and neighbors, your city leaders, your Chamber of Commerce and/or Main Street organizations and encourage them to do the same.
Study: Private equity firms buying newspapers cut local news
Vulture capitalists are circling my old newspaper. Here’s why we need to fight them off.
How the Local News Crisis Affects Coverage of COVID and Climate – and Vice Versa