Journalism matters for the sake of our communities

It’s a privilege and honor each week to share in our newspaper what often become personal and intimate details impacting the lives of normal everyday people.

As journalists, we are focused on telling the stories about life happening in our section of southeastern Minnesota. We are dedicated to hometown news that can impact the way you live, think and celebrate life.

Next week is National Newspaper Week, a time set aside to celebrate newspapers. While we are passionate about community journalism and the impact it offers our communities, I am always amazed at how readers make us an important part of their lives. To hear how people depend on us for local news coverage and anxiously await the arrival of their newspaper every week is humbling to say the least.

America’s Newspapers 2023 Local Newspaper Study found some pretty compelling details about the impact of journalism.

First and foremost, communities depend on local newspapers. The study shows one out of two Americans read or access information from their local weekly newspaper every month. And I would go as far to say that line should read “every week” for readers of the Dodge County Independent.

The study reveals every generation reads newspapers. From Gen Z to the Silent Gen, every generation consumes newspaper content. Newspapers have evolved to deliver news your way. Just in the past few years, we have enhanced our website, offered breaking news alerts and have made a news app available. Technology has a way of blowing past us, and we are doing everything we can to remain relevant in people’s lives.

Newspapers connect communities. And I would say we do that in profound ways. The study found that 74% of Americans believe it is important to have a local newspaper. Newspapers define the culture of a community. In our case, we have found a unique way to package hometown news where we are always local, all the time.

Another interesting find from the study is how newspaper readers are community leaders. The study shows 87% of newspaper readers feel they have a responsibility to help shape the future of their communities. It’s evident by the large number of candidates we have running for elected offices on every level this fall.

The study also revealed that newspaper readers determine elections. Almost 8 out of 10 newspaper readers vote in national or state elections. Voter turnout in Dodge County as well as surrounding counties is always particularly high.

Luis A. Ferre, who was a dominant force in Puerto Rican politics, once said, “A city without a newspaper is a city without a soul.” So true.

Newspapers provide a unique relevance. We are at the forefront of being a watchdog of government, covering community events and publicizing timely public notices.

Your stories are worth telling, and I hope you know we will always continue to go in hot pursuit of making journalism matter for the sake of our communities.