Why Having A Local Newspaper Is Critical To The Survival of West Chicago
The West Chicago Press, which served as the predecessor to the West Chicago Voice, was a cherished weekly newspaper that held a prominent place in the community for an impressive century-long tenure. Personally, I had the privilege of working alongside dedicated individuals at the Press for a span of eight years. However, following the sale of the newspaper group by the publisher, unfortunate circumstances led to its permanent closure in 2005.
Regrettably, this closure has left a void in the realm of West Chicago-centric news coverage. In the vast landscape of conglomerate and corporately-owned newspapers that remain , our beloved community often finds itself relegated to a mere afterthought, unless the story at hand carries significant weight. As a result, we are usually fortunate to receive a minimal amount of attention, perhaps just two small paragraphs here and there if we are lucky. As a community, that can make its residents feel insignificant and unheard. It can add a feeling that we are unimportant, have been forgotten about and discarded. This can carry over and significantly impact a community’s identity and self-worth which in turn can even affect its economic viability.
West Chicago’s status as a “news desert” is undoubtedly cause for concern. For nearly two decades, the absence of a local newspaper has created a void in the community, depriving residents of timely, relevant, and trustworthy information. Without a dedicated outlet to cover local events, issues, and stories, West Chicagoans were left uninformed about important developments that directly impact their lives.
After the closure of The West Chicago Press and the advent of social media, one begs to wonder if it’s fair that residents seem to get all their news from these platforms. Social media cannot be considered a substitute for reliable journalism or a newspaper due to several reasons. Firstly, social media platforms lack the rigorous editorial processes and fact-checking mechanisms that traditional news organizations adhere to. This absence of verification often leads to the spread of misinformation, rumors, and unverified claims.
Secondly, social media algorithms are designed to prioritize engagement and popularity rather than accuracy and reliability. This means that sensationalized or clickbait content often gains more visibility, overshadowing important stories or credible reporting. As a result, users may be exposed to biased narratives, manipulated information, and polarizing viewpoints, hindering their ability to form informed opinions.
Furthermore, social media platforms are driven by user-generated content, which can be easily manipulated and distorted. Any individual with an internet connection can create and share content, regardless of its quality or accuracy. This makes it difficult for users to distinguish between credible sources and unreliable ones, leading to the erosion of trust in online information.
Unlike traditional newspapers, social media lacks accountability and transparency. News organizations have established codes of ethics, guidelines, and a professional standard that they must adhere to. In contrast, social media platforms are not held to the same standards, allowing the dissemination of fake news or biased content without consequences.
Moreover, the fragmented nature of social media makes it challenging for users to obtain a comprehensive view of the news. While newspapers offer a curated selection of stories from various beats, social media feeds are personalized based on algorithms and user preferences. This can create filter bubbles and echo chambers, where users are only exposed to information that aligns with their existing beliefs, reinforcing biases and limiting their understanding of diverse perspectives.
While social media has its advantages in terms of accessibility and immediacy, it cannot replace the role of reliable journalism or a newspaper. The absence of editorial oversight, fact-checking mechanisms, and accountability on social media platforms undermines the credibility and reliability of the information shared. To ensure a well-informed society and a thriving democracy, it is crucial to recognize the value of traditional journalism and support the revitalization and sustenance of local news outlets.
The implications of this news desert are far-reaching. First and foremost, it undermines the very foundation of an informed democracy. Local newspapers play a vital role in fostering civic engagement, providing a platform for diverse voices to be heard, and holding those in power accountable. Without such a medium, the democratic discourse in West Chicago suffers, potentially leading to apathy, ignorance, and a lack of civic participation.
Moreover, the absence of local journalism hampers the community’s ability to address pressing challenges effectively. From understanding and tackling local issues to highlighting remarkable achievements and inspiring initiatives, a local newspaper serves as a catalyst for positive change. It stimulates discussions, encourages collective action, and fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose among residents.
Furthermore, the decline of local journalism poses economic repercussions. A robust local news ecosystem is closely intertwined with a healthy business environment. It provides a platform for local businesses to advertise and connect with their target audience, stimulating economic growth and fostering a vibrant local economy. In the absence of such opportunities, small businesses may struggle to thrive, ultimately impacting the overall prosperity of the community.
Local journalism is the lifeblood of our communities, breathing vitality into our shared experiences. It weaves together the intricate tapestry of our lives, shedding light on the triumphs, struggles, and everything in between. By giving voice to the unheard and shining a beacon on the unsung heroes of our neighborhoods, it creates a vibrant platform for genuine connection and understanding. So let’s celebrate the power of local journalism in fostering unity, amplifying diverse perspectives, and nurturing the ties that bind us all. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive community where every voice matters and every story is told.
The absence of a local newspaper for 18 years in West Chicago has created a news desert, depriving the community of valuable information, hindering democratic discourse, impeding collective action, and potentially stifling economic growth. It is essential for the community to recognize the significance of local journalism and explore alternative avenues for revitalizing and sustaining a thriving local news landscape.
What Can We Do to Help Local Journalism thrive again in our hometown via The West Chicago Voice?
Here are a few steps:
Subscribe: Consider subscribing to the West Chicago Voice’s daily emails. This enlarges our circulation and impact. It is free and costs nothing to subscribe. You’ll receive one email a day, around dinner time. It will contain headlines and excerpts from the last 4 stories, although we usually publish from 6-12 stories per day.
Engage and Share: Read, share, and engage with local news stories by leaving a comment on the story, or continue the conversation on the Voice’s social media accounts. When you see a post on our social media, like, comment and share- this helps our visibility. Any chance you get, Spread the word about the importance of local journalism to your friends and family.
Advertise Locally: If you’re a business owner, consider advertising with The West Chicago Voice, we have display advertising as well as promotional sections and classified ads. It’s a win-win, as you promote your business while supporting journalism.
Advocate: Advocate for policies that support local journalism, such as tax incentives, grants, or funding for local news outlets, that can help an independent, family-owned newspaper like ours to thrive. Support legislation that encourages local journalism.
Another way to support Tge West Chicago Voice : we are always seeking volunteers to write/submit news stories, people to attend meetings for us and report back on the happenings, photographers who would like to cover local events- perhaps retired folks who have time to give to a community based organization
Local journalism is an invaluable pillar of our communities. It’s the voice that tells our stories, uncovers the truth, and empowers us to make informed decisions. By supporting The West Chicago Voice, we invest in the health and well-being of our communities and safeguard the principles of democracy. Let us come together to ensure that this vital lifeline remains strong and resilient for future generations.
Note, much of the above was written by The Leavenworth Echo and we’ve rewritten parts of it to apply to West Chicago and our mission, we’ve drawn inspiration from their awesome article.To see the original article in its entirety, go here: https://www.leavenworthecho.com/community/vital-lifeline-why-supporting-local-journalism-matters
Further Reading:
As we find further reading suggestions related to the topic of how and why local journalism is necessary, we’ll add links
Disclaimer: We acknowledge that some of the views and thoughts expressed in various publications may differ from our own. However, we believe that certain aspects of the information they share about local journalism can be enlightening and valuable. We invite you to join us in our effort to revitalize West Chicago’s local journalism, focusing on the vibrant spirit of our community. Your support and engagement are crucial as we embark on this journey together. Let us honor the legacy of the previous print publication in WeGo and collaborate to create a newspaper that accurately represents us and shapes our narrative for the future.
Pulitzer Article on Local Journalism
NewYork Bar’s Artcle About The Effects Of Losing Local Journalism
Catalyst article in local journalism