Our field is under attack.
Every journalist, especially those new to the profession, has heard the phrase, “Newspapers are dying.” Despite those who cast doubt on the field’s future, the irreplaceable value of journalism keeps us motivated and has overshadowed the voices of naysayers.
This time, the attacks are hitting too close to home.
Within the last month, local and statewide journalists have had their jobs ripped from under their feet with little to no warning or empathy.
Nebraska Public Media reported on Oct. 3 that 18 staff members were cut last month at the Omaha World-Herald, Lincoln Journal Star, Columbus Telegram, North Platte Telegraph and Lexington Clipper-Herald. These cuts include a friend of one of our staff members. Unfortunately, Kearney’s local media isn’t immune either and has experienced its own set of layoffs recently.
These cuts feel even more real to us, as an alum of The Antelope who worked in Nebraska newspapers had their department cut last month. The news was delivered by someone from out of state.
It’s not just a cut to the journalist – it’s a cut to the community.
Local journalism in Nebraska, especially in rural communities, is essential. To see large out-of-state companies call the shots for a big number of Nebraska papers is highly disappointing. They are detached from the communities they are serving and don’t see the passion, sacrifices and necessity of the people they are cutting. Journalists’ sacrifices, like late nights in the office, weekends spent at athletics and putting themselves in dangerous situations, are all overlooked.
The loss communities face when local journalism is cut is irreparable. Newspapers preserve history – whether that is the good or the bad, the everyday or the breaking news. Small town newspapers highlight local achievements, report high school athletics and document city council minutes.
Bigger outlets can’t replicate that.
National and regional news outlets are incapable of covering everything. We need small town newspapers to cover the stories close to home – the ones that matter most and have the greatest effect on our communities.
Many of our staff members come from small towns and have experience working for their local newspaper. In our experiences, community members desperately want local coverage, not just national news.
If local reporters continue to get cut, newspapers can’t give community members what they want. The loss of their support will be the beginning of the end for those communities’ papers.
We are aware that many of these cuts are due to media companies no longer having the money to pay those they are cutting. Still, cutting journalists can not be the final answer.
We must do something.
Journalists in our state need our support. As journalists ourselves, we stand with them and ask for our communities and state to step up with us.
Support local media. Invest in those who are telling their communities stories. Share a post from a local newspaper on social media. Buy a newspaper subscription. Vocalize your support for journalists.
Whether it be financially or vocally, any bit of support will go a long way in preserving our state’s local journalism.
If we don’t protect our newspapers and the people creating them, we aren’t protecting our state.
