Media: More Essential Than Ever

Summary

A local community reporter reflects on the shift in their role due to Covid19, from celebrating community achievements to providing critical information for voters amidst the pandemic's restrictions.

Abstract

The reporter, once focused on positive local stories and events, faced unemployment as the pandemic halted community activities and advertising revenue. Returning to work, they found their role transformed into a vital source of information for voters, as traditional campaigning was no longer possible. The new responsibility involves conducting in-depth interviews with political candidates, such as those running for circuit court judge, and presenting unbiased information to help the community make informed decisions in the upcoming elections. Despite the challenges, the reporter embraces the importance of their evolving role in the democratic process and the survival of the local newspaper.

Opinions

The reporter values the role of local media in highlighting the positive aspects of the community, emphasizing the unique and pride-worthy events.
They believe in the potential of the younger generation, as evidenced by their reporting on talented youth such as a young pilot and school robotics clubs.
The reporter maintains an objective stance in their work, aiming to provide information without influencing public opinion, despite having personal views.
They acknowledge the increased importance of their role in educating voters due to the limitations on traditional campaigning methods during the pandemic.
The reporter feels a sense of duty and pressure to deliver valuable, well-researched information to the community to aid in the election process.
There is an underlying appreciation for the local newspaper's ability to adapt and continue operating despite the economic challenges posed by Covid19.

Media: More Essential Than Ever

Prior to Covid19, I worked as the community reporter for a local newspaper. Reporters and media have a bad reputation, currently. But I had the privilege of being outside the frey. I was not reporting for Fox or CNN, I was reporting local events. I did not live by the,” if it bleeds it leads philosophy.” In fact, I lived by the, “if it makes you feel proud to live in this town, it takes the front page philosophy.” I highlighted the good. The unique. The specialness of a community. I was a part of home. The type of home you remember but feel as though it’s been lost to change and years, with a smile. When Covid19 hit, I did not know if the paper would survive. Newspapers can’t sell ads to mainstreet, when main street is closed. I was laid off for about 6 weeks. That’s when I focused on writing for Medium to see if I could replace my meager salary. 3 weeks ago, I was called back to work and my job took a distinct change during Covid19 life.

Prior to Covid19, I interviewed spectacular teens that made the town feel proud of their school districts and their community. I interviewed a young girl learning to fly an airplane. She could fly before she learned to drive. Her interest in being a pilot was through a middle school elective class and it grew from there. Her Mom now calls her Katie Bird. I interviewed a talented artist who drew photos for the Lions Club coloring books, a Lions Club fundraiser. I reported on the school’s robotics club, which was amazing to see such talent. When Covid19, they threatened to solve it prior to the adults, and given what I saw, I believed they could. I reported on town festivals, events and plays. I watched James and the GIant Peach by town youth and took photos of snowmen for a snowman competition at the Ice Festival.

I also visited local businesses and restaurants to boost main street and potential ad revenue. I attended school board meetings and City Council meetings to keep community members apprised of things currently happening in town and changes being considered. My job is not to convince anyone, one way or another, just to report on the information. My job is to give you the details and allow you to decide for yourself. Of course I have opinions, but my opinions are not important. I don’t live in the town. I’m not a stakeholder in the decisions made.

After or during Covid19, my job has now returned and its role is very different. Main street is mostly closed. I can’t really do restaurant reviews. Community events and gatherings have been cancelled indefinitely. But suddenly, I have a very important job prior to the November elections. With candidates unable to campaign in traditional methods, local newspapers have become a very important way to educate voters and introduce candidates. So far I’ve interviewed two candidates running for the position of circuit court judge. This is a nonpartisan position so a person cannot just select judges based on party lines. The average voter needs to sift through four different candidate pages to learn who is best qualified and whose beliefs most accurately line up with their own. My job is to ask questions, do the research and point the reader to the proper information so the reader can make an informed educated decision. I take my job as a reporter seriously and it’s something I truly love. But, the new responsibility of it, makes me feel the weight and pressure to do a good job and give people valuable information to make an informed decision. Covid19 has changed my job from happy fluff reporting to a serious responsibility. My work keeping the reader informed will have an impact on the election. I’m thankful to be back and thankful the small town paper survived. I have a job to do and a community to which I am responsible.