Do communities need newspapers? A recent description of journalism is as follows: 

Journalism plays a vital role in society by informing the public, holding power accountable, and fostering informed civic participation. It acts as a watchdog, monitors government and other institutions, and facilitates public discourse. By providing accurate and timely information, journalism enables citizens to make informed decisions, participate in democratic processes, and contribute to a well-functioning society. 

How do we want to live? Is it worthwhile to know what is going on around us in our community and in the world? The word “sunlight” is often used referring to journalism because good, independent journalism can illuminate the reality of the social, political, and natural environment around us so that we can play a role in influencing that environment according to our own values. 

One of the most prevalent and potent methods of autocrats to take over power in a society and run it the way they want to is to ban the free press and replace it with their own version of reality. Russia does it with the newspaper: “Pravda”. The word in Russian actually means “truth”, and from about 1918 until about 1991 it was the official voice of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. It is now the official organ of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation. If you think that Pravda has anything to do with reporting the truth about Russia and the rest of the world, then you do not understand how political power operates... 

It is well-known that in the absence of honest journalism, crime, corruption, misinformation, and social repression flourish. Misinformation is rampant in social media now. People need to know what is really going on in order to respond appropriately to it. 

According to Harvest Public Media (www.kcur.org/news/2024-04-15/rural-newspaper-decline-new-models-journalism) the U.S. has lost more than 2,800 newspapers since 2005, mostly in rural areas. Many “news deserts” exist where people have no access to local or regional news and social content. Many factors influence newspapers going out of business, but declining interest and subscription rates are principal among them. Newspapers need revenue to survive, and some of that revenue comes from subscriptions.  

Here we are in the San Luis Valley of rural Colorado. The principal newspaper is the Valley Courier, which has operated for the past 120 years. It, as so many other rural newspapers before, is under threat for its existence. If it closes for lack of subscribers what could be lost are the stories of the history and present of the fascinating cultural diversity and life in the Valley and the beauty of the natural environment, we have the privilege of living in and protecting. What issues do we need to deal with and how do we do it? How are we relating with each other?  What is the status of our safety from criminal behavior? What is the status of our education system, especially the iconic Adams State University? What does the future hold? How is our economy doing? How can we relate ourselves to the rest of Colorado and the world? 

Much of what is going on in American society at present could be represented by the symbol of crossed swords. In other parts of the world, the symbol of crossed missiles is more appropriate. However, due to recent changes in the format of the Courier, the symbol of crossed pens applies as local community members have been asked to express their views of and insights into the world around us. 

This seems like the best of all choices. It invites our community to be engaged and to collaborate in seeking to resolve issues and to increase our appreciation of the society and place in which we live. In my opinion, the Courier currently has an excellent publisher in Brian Williams and excellent reporters and writers: John Waters, Priscilla Waggoner and Ken Hamrick. This is the way I see it. These exceptionally talented people need to be retained and supported for the good of our community. Period. What do you want for the future of journalism in the Valley? Now is the time to decide. 

Without financially supporting our local news sources, a vital light on our Valley life will likely go out.

Dr. Lenderts M.D. has lived and worked in the valley for over 20 years. He is and has been active in public health, social, political, and environmental issues.