Save local journalism: A soapbox speech
As I wake up every morning, I instinctively go to check my work email. The blank space where the icon was ago is a dagger to my chest. I must remind myself that my longtime job as local news editor at the Mason City Globe Gazette was eliminated.
One might think the pain I feel would lend itself to bitterness toward the business of journalism, but in fact, it's quite the opposite. Now, more than ever, is the time to support local journalism — to SAVE it.
Not only does your support put dollars right back into the local economy, it helps fund the stories you want to see and stories that need to be seen. There are so many complaints that "there's nothing in the paper anymore," but I'd counter that with yes there sure is.
In the last year, my award-winning newsroom's education reporter Ailis McCardle wrote one story exposing alleged abuse at a child residency facility, one that dug into the trickle-down effects of Iowa's sweeping AEA cuts, and many that highlighted the talents of local youth, such as the student journalists at a local high school and a middle schooler's budding writing journey.
Robin McClelland reported regularly on city and county government, keeping the community informed on what goes on behind the scenes. She covered a fun, heartwarming story about a trio of centenarians who've remained friends since high school. She was a prolific contributor to the paper's annual Progress edition, highlighting the region's advancements and high-profile projects.
Public safety reporter Mary Pieper consistently produced important crime and weather updates. She kept the public informed on the goings on of local law-enforcement and emergency-response agencies. She also sought out local features, covering area events such as the beloved Clear Lake, Iowa, Winter Dance Party.
Honestly, there are too many stories from the Globe Gazette's talented "small but mighty" newsroom to even try to name. Point being, none of those stories at all would see the light of day without readers' and advertisers' support.
The more of you who invest in local news, the more stories can be produced. Have a story you want checked out? Send it in.
While what journalists provide is indeed a public service, it is not free to produce, although many people are of the impression it should be provided for free. Like water and electricity are public services, you still must pay for them.
Your support of local journalism is an investment in so many ways. Newspapers are watchdogs for the community, holding local governing bodies accountable. They are story tellers, sharing the achievements and interesting backgrounds of your friends and neighbors. They are public informants, keeping residents abreast of breaking news, crime, weather and local developments.
Journalism is not just important, it's essential. It must be supported; it must be saved. Today, more than ever. #supportlocaljournalism. 📰
Lisa Grouette is a proud member of the Iowa Writers Collaborative, a group of Iowa writers, authors, and content producers. If you enjoy hearing from Iowa voices, please consider helping to broaden their reach with a paid subscription. Your support goes a long way.