It’s our ‘special’ week, a big thank you to all

Next week, Oct. 2-8 is designated, “National Newspaper Week.” I know, every cause has a week and they all are special. Ours is special because we want to add emphasis to our effectiveness when some may think newspapers are relics of the past.

No my friend, newspapers aren’t dead. Some have closed their doors and others have taken on different forms, but the need for community newspapers like ours is still here.

In March, the National Newspapers Association and NNA Foundation commissioned a survey of readers from across the country, conducted by the highly regarded Susquehanna Polling and Research team.  

The study found local newspapers as the most trusted source when it comes to learning about candidates for public office.  On a 10-point scale (with 10 being the “highest”), local newspapers are rated a 7.38, higher than TV stations (6.45), radio (5.58), political mailings (4.63) or social media platforms (2.65).

The results of this survey are not surprising. I have been keeping tabs on the winners in elections for decades. In my unofficial survey those with the most signs or faces on billboards may spend more, but with less effectiveness. Voters want to know more about a candidate than their name.

Our track record is good when it comes to providing a source for candidates to use to help them win a race.

This brings me to the point during National Newspaper Week that I think is very important. Our newspaper is the best source for local news and our readership is strong. But the one thing I’m most concerned about is local advertising.

It is a known fact that big box stores have driven many smaller merchants out of business. Those stores do very little local advertising. They rely on their national brand name to attract customers.

In the meantime most all other local merchants want you to shop locally. I’m for that 100 percent. We are here to help local merchants attract business.

But there are some that ascribe to this principal but choose to use media that have no ties to our community, like Lexington TV and out of the area billboards.

For all community newspapers to continue publication we need local advertisers. We are here for you. We have a dedicated readership and they buy locally.

So, during our special week I want to say “thank you” to all who read our newspaper and especially to those who advertise. We can’t do without both of you!