Open Thread Mondays: Why Is Local News Important To You?

Last week, I waxed poetic about the importance of local news in building communities, strengthening democracies and supporting economy. I suggested that it’s an oft-forgotten ingredient in the three-part recipe that forms the basic building blocks of American power and stability: local journalism, local government and local economies. Without those foundations, those entry points for understanding a greater system, we find ourselves playing within a house of cards.

But those are a wee slice of my thoughts on the topic. It occurred to me to discuss it after attending a conference with other publishers, in which someone asked if we were effectively conveying the value of our work and the necessity of our outlets’ existence to our readers. Most there, including me, appeared to think that our function and worth was a given; everyone knows why journalism is important, right? And if they know that, of course they know that it should be even more important when it’s local and relevant, right?

Well, I didn’t want to make that assumption. So I’ve explained to you why I think local reporting is important. Why don’t you tell me why you think it’s important, and why you read Sheepshead Bites?

Or, you know, just rant. It’s an open thread, after all.