There are more of us than you know

In 2020, the community newspaper industry, like many other industries, faced significant challenges due to the impact of COVID-19. The number of newspapers serving communities in Texas declined, and unfortunately, not all survived the outbreak. Various measures were implemented in different locations to cope with the shutdown and eventual recovery, but we are resilient, and there are more of us than you might think.

More than 700 community newspapers operate in Texas, and that number represents only those I can verify as paid subscription-based publications. Many more freely distributed newspapers that do not qualify as members of the Texas Press Association are in print today.

The industry is made up of individuals who believe in the First Amendment. We believe that newspapers still make a difference and that what we write and publish must be integral, honest, and factual. We hold ourselves to these standards, even when challenged, and it isn’t always an easy test to pass.

When the truth is published, there are two sides, and the newspaper represents neither. If we do our jobs correctly, our goal is to present the facts without opinion, regardless of how the story may affect us personally. There is one exception: this column.

This column serves as my space to offer my opinion, for what it’s worth. Each week, I choose a topic that is relevant to my readers and important to me. Every community newspaper features a column like this one, often authored by the owner, Publisher, or managing editor. However, this column usually comes with a price; after all, many of my columns are opinionated, and I will inevitably upset someone sooner or later.

I don’t intend to offend anyone, but it happens occasionally, as it has recently. I can’t apologize for sharing my opinion in the first place. I can defend my position and welcome any discussion about whatever may have offended me. However, more often than not, these conversations never happen. Most of the time, the person who is upset will express their dissatisfaction to someone else instead of talking to me directly, and eventually, the feedback makes its way back to me. It’s a lot like high school, which isn’t very pleasant because if you have something to say, I want to hear it.

Once, newspapers were filled with “Letters to the Editor.” These letters addressed many topics, but no one sent those in anymore. Instead, people jump on social media to express their thoughts and send them out into cyberspace, where a friend of a friend, three states away, can comment. It’s quick, and no one can fact-check it (or spell-check it). It disappears in about 24 hours, soon to be forgotten. No real change occurs, yet the author feels vindicated.

No one wants to take risks and express their opinions to help improve our world, city, or schools because they may offend someone. You will likely offend someone, and that’s when meaningful discussions about change can begin. It’s essential to get the ball rolling—whether uphill or downhill, it doesn’t matter—and start the conversation.

If you’re thinking, “What’s the point? No one reads the newspaper anymore,” I encourage you to check out the column by my friend Austin Lewter. He is the Publisher of the Whitesboro News-Record, an instructor of journalism and broadcasting at Tarleton State University, the faculty adviser for the Texan News Service and JTAC newspaper, and the director of the Texas Center for Community Journalism. His column is published on page 3.

You see, there are more of us than you may think.

The power remains in your hands and your newspaper. America was founded on this principle, and it’s time for you, the dedicated reader, to use it again.

Let’s spark conversations that will improve our community. Frankly, I’m tired of being the only one willing to speak out; it’s time for me to take a break and let you take your turn. Let’s make this happen.

Letters to the Editor are fact-checked and verified to ensure you are the author. Each letter must include your first and last name and the city you reside in within Robertson County. Political endorsements are not considered Letters to the Editor and will be treated as advertisements.

See you next week.