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We're planning on sticking around

David Melson
Posted 10/9/19

It’s National Newspaper Week — a good time to remind all that, yes, news“papers”, whether you read us on the printed page, a mobile device or a computer screen, are still relevant in the 21st century. We’re loved by a few, damned by many and questioned by an increasing number who are gradually — through no fault of their own — losing the ability to distinguish between unbiased news reporting vs. opinion pieces...

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We're planning on sticking around

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It’s National Newspaper Week — a good time to remind all that, yes, news“papers”, whether you read us on the printed page, a mobile device or a computer screen, are still relevant in the 21st century.

We’re loved by a few, damned by many and questioned by an increasing number who are gradually — through no fault of their own — losing the ability to distinguish between unbiased news reporting vs. opinion pieces.

There’s no way to get around the influence politics has had on the public’s perception of news coverage in recent years. Both major political parties take every advantage of social media and bypass traditional news sources with unfiltered, one-sided, strongly-stated opinions. Some individuals jump on those opinions and spread them as absolute truths.

And that’s where the much-maligned “mainstream media” is caught between the proverbial “rock and a hard place.” Even the term “media” has taken on negative connotations as ill-informed people, especially posters on often-anger-driven Facebook, rip apart any media outlet that reports anything other than their own skewed, bias-influenced version of “truth.”

Welcome to today’s journalism world. Those of us dedicated to reporting unbiased, fact-based news face a public in which some are increasingly demanding opinion pieces masquerading as news stories. Blame Fox News. Blame the large number of special-interest groups posting to the Web biased, proven-lie-filled commentaries written as if they were straight news coverage — in other words, “fake news.” A “story” promoting just one side of an issue, originated by a special interest group, is not information — it’s propaganda.

Blame political operatives trained in the persuasive art of manipulation. Blame both major political parties.

And, yes, there’s no way around it, blame President Trump. When the nation’s leader refers to reporters as “scum” and “traitors” and claims the media “truly is the enemy of the people” for reporting proven facts — note that phrase, proven facts — he considers negative toward him, and has convinced many of his followers not to question anything he says and to tear down anyone who does, we have a problem.

Consider this Facebook post from an undoubtedly well-meaning individual: “Anyone who speaks out against President Trump is not an American citizen! They need to pack up and leave the country!”

The basics of democracy include the rights to speak out, be heard and express an opinion responsibly. Those wanting to silence the opposition are treading a dangerous course — and showing their own intolerance of others and lack of appreciation of their own freedom.

Look at legitimate sources of news. Your local newspaper. The large national newspapers. TV networks. The Associated Press. Sources with no ax to grind, despite the false claims from detractors. Trained reporters who realize an informed public must be told if government figures of either major party are acting maliciously — and who realize part of their job is holding public figures accountable for actions and decisions. That’s not so easy when the bad actors have loud, determined defenders fired up by online rhetoric.

Even on a local basis, we’re sometimes falsely accused of reporting lies when we simply publish what we were told by law enforcement or government agencies. We report what were represented to us as facts. Remember, too, that anything spoken during a public meeting can be reported. Occasionally we’re told by someone during a public meeting, “Don’t print what I just said!” Too late.

We’re also occasionally criticized for charging for our online product. Keep this in mind: We also have to support ourselves and our families, just as you do. We chose an industry that doesn’t pay particularly well and can sometimes seem thankless. But we care passionately about the products we produce.

Words carry power. The power of change. The power to destroy. But with those words come responsibility. The responsibility to present fair, balanced views. The opportunity for you to be exposed to all sides of issues. And enough respect from us not to lie to or manipulate you.

That’s where newspapers — whether you choose to turn our printed pages or scroll our e-pages — still shine. You’re literally holding us close, in your hands or at your fingertips, and that intimacy is something to be cherished by both us and you. We give back by doing our best to keep you informed, fully and accurately. Stick with us.

— T-G copy editor David Melson can be contacted at dmelson@t-g.com.