Getting a read on our readers
The Pew Research Center released the results of a poll this month that asked people if they’d give a rip if their local community newspaper dissappeared.
The results aren’t all that surprising, but do indicate we (newspaper folks) could do a better job of advocating our own relevance, especially with young people.
According to the report, 74 percent of Americans say losing their local newspaper would hurt civic life in their community “a lot” or “some.” Fifty-eight percent say they would personally miss reading the local newspaper “a lot” or “some.” (Read the report here.)
So are there any major take aways here? Yes.
We in the newspaper business must continue to strive for quality in our reporting, editing and design. People are watching. In fact, those that responded that the loss of the newspaper wouldn’t hurt much could be easily persuaded to reconsider:
“Many of those who say the closing of the local paper wouldn’t make much, if any, difference in their communities note that there are other news sources available or criticize the newspaper’s quality. About three-in-ten (29%) say there are other ways to get news, including television, radio news and the internet. One-in-five say the quality of the newspaper is poor, while 5% say it is biased. One-in-ten say they don’t read the paper and almost as many (9%) say they don’t think other people read it either.”
If the difference between 74 percent and 99 percent is simply a matter of perceptions news bias, quality and competition from TV and radio, then I think we have huge potential to show our readers just how valuable we are.
Though true, 100 percent objectivity is unattainable, working toward it in our reporting seems well worthwhile. And the thoughtfulness with which we choose to pursue community news counts big time. I think the newspapers within ECM publishers do a good job in these areas, but I encourage all of us to think how we can take it to the next level.
According to this article over at Time, when local papers disappear “voter turnout dropped, fewer people ran for office and more incumbents were reelected.” That’s a scary statement to see. I realize that I’m probably one of the few pro-Internet news people that enjoys reading the physical local paper but I realize the importance of traditional media–at least for another 10 or so years. And even though hyperlocal blogging and local Internet coverage is on the rise and doing a better job of covering local action than it was even two years ago, at this point there’s still no way it can compete with local media. As you know I am vocal when I don’t think “you’re” (that’s the royal you’re) doing a good job. I admit that I have high expectations but if you’re looking to be the stewards of local political coverage, I expect you to go above and beyond face value to do it the right way from the start.
Taking it to the next level is difficult. I realize you’re in a tighter spot than Internet media. You have advertisers to concerns yourselves with, you have “official newspaper” status to worry about, and you have to at least be cordial to the people you interview on a daily basis in order to get your story. Unfortunately, without pushing the boundaries that were set hundreds of years ago, you’re still delivering a lot of the same old tired bullshit. Honestly, if I see another press release for this local event or that local politician framed as news, I’m going to gag. I don’t know if that’s true for everyone as I seem to attract and thus surround myself with the fringe but as more and more people become aware of what is really happening, the more likely it is that others may begin to share that view.
Good luck and keep up the great blog posts. BTW, if YOU want to take it to the next level see what you can do about some more frequent posts here. I have to admit that I love the content you put out much more than any of the other ECM bloggers :-)
Thanks Bill, I’ll try to get more frequent with my posts. It’s just hard to come up with good stuff all the time, poor excuse, I know…
I think “taking it to the next level” largely falls on the individual journalist. Some are content to punch the clock, make the requisite three phones calls per story and write up, clock out. Us journalists should push harder, ask ourselves tough questions about our own bias and the quality of our own coverage. We need to think critically with our stories and dig.
It will continue to be the case that press releases make it into our paper. No one will ever have the staff and manpower to cover ALL events and church potlucks, company hires, and politician’s announcements do have a place in our paper. Any suggestions on how to differentiate them from news more clearly? Our view is that if it’s got a byline, then it’s a news story from one of our reporters. If there is no name or tag such as “staff report” then it’s a press release.
All of that aside, I’d like to encourage people within the community to do exactly what http://www.LazyLightning.org is doing and blog opinions, attend meetings and get involved. We can take the opinions or leave them, but the dialogue is the exciting and vital part. We hope to continue to give you plenty to opine about for years to come. : )
Our view is that if it’s got a byline, then it’s a news story from one of our reporters. If there is no name or tag such as “staff report” then it’s a press release.
Thanks for the heads up, at least I now know what to look for. Now make a front page article and let everyone else know too ;-)
It’s just hard to come up with good stuff all the time, poor excuse, I know…
Believe it, I know how hard it is to come up with something every single day but you have to remember that it’s a blog, it doesn’t necessarily need to be a Pulitzer every single time you post :-)
I for one, am one of those people that would dearly miss the local newspapers. I look forward to my Thisweek every Friday afternoon. I love catching up on the events in MY community at my own leisure, with a cup of coffee on a Saturday morning. I know I represent a minority, as a person under 35 that doesn’t like the internet or televison as a news and information source. Not when it really matters, anyway.
Maybe I’m old school, but it gives me a great sense of community when I can turn to the sports page and see a neighbor’s son mentioned. Or find well written articles about issues that really matter to my family.
So, I say yay newspapers!! Keep on keepin’ on!
http://www.minnpost.com/braublog/2009/03/25/7621/local_newspaper_market_penetration_pretty_darn_high#94-7621