Russ Steele
Jeff Pelline was recently quoted in an Editor & Publisher magazine article. The quote was reported in the Union Readers' Corner. Since I am not a subscriber I could not validate the context of the quote, or the real thrust of the article, but here is a sample from the Union:
Among other editors who were interviewed, The Union Editor Jeff Pelline points to growing Web readership and strong circulation at the smaller papers, as well as an intense focus on local news.
"The absolutely most significant factor that drives the stability and success of smaller properties is that their franchise is in local news - not local news plus regional news plus national and international news," said John Cribb, partner in the newspaper brokerage firm of Cribb, Greene & Associates.
People get much of the other news from the Internet and television, but they only get their local news from the local news media.
This this true according to studies, the savior of local newspapers is local news. But, where do readers learn about the importance of the reported news? Readers have indicated they would like to know what local news really means to them, something that is beyond the scope of most local reporting. I think this is where the local bloggers can fill these reporting gaps.
The number of local blog commentators is increasing according to the growing list on Nevada County Voices. On the right hand side (scroll to the right on your browser) you will see this blog and others deemed to be too conservative to come without a warning label.
Let me point out we are not journalist, but commentators. We share our opinions with the reader and often back up those opinions with additional facts missing from the original report. As bloggers we attempt to establish a conversation with our readers by providing a forum for them to discuss important issues. Blogs are a window on the different points of view. We are not replacing traditional journalism, but we are providing new ways to look at the news while giving our audience a voice.
Your comments and discussion are most welcome here.
