Howard County Needs a Local News Source, but News Consumers Should Always be Wary
Government entities usually seem to have an unending supply of money to accomplish the tasks and projects necessary to fulfill the multiple needs of those governed.
The U.S. Government, plus state governments and local municipalities typically have enough cash to fund education, capital projects, and social welfare programs.
An Endless Supply of Taxpayer Dollars
The supply of cash seems endless because the money comes from every tax-paying citizen on an involuntary basis.
While governments are necessary to maintain order and supply essential services, individuals and sometimes groups within governments do not always have the good of the people in mind.
How many past and current cases of corruption and other illegal acts come to mind on both the national and local scenes?
Consider Watergate and the demise of too many local mayors locally and across the United States.
Journalists are the Watchdogs for Society
This is one area where journalists step in. Journalists are the watchdogs of government and generally of society at large.
In the case of Enron, journalists provided up-to-the-minute coverage not of a government, but in this case, a publicly traded corporation.
Through journalism, not only is corruption uncovered and reported, but the illegal acts of everyday citizens.
Journalists report on candidates, legislative work, medical break-throughs and they provide weather alerts.
Pretty much, if there is news and information of interest to the public, journalists see to it that the public is informed.
Financial Struggles Create a Disadvantage for the Watchdogs
While the First Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees freedom of the press to working journalists, it does not provide for the type of revenue structure that government gives itself.
This is a lopsided scenario in that news media must keep pace with government and other aspects of society (for good reporting) without the financial advantages of government and large corporate entities.
Newspapers Must Remain Credible to Maintain Trust and Relevance
There is also no guarantee that news publishers or their journalists are credible and upright in how they relay news and information to the public.
In the 1970’s there was a Pulitzer worthy series in The Washington Post that chronicled the sad and pathetic life of a kid named Jimmy. Jimmy was not his real name and there were no other named sources in the series.
Somehow, the vetting process at the Post fell apart. The journalist was allowed, based on the faith of the editors, to produce this hot story without any verifiable proof that Jimmy existed.
During the vetting by the Pulitzer committee, it was discovered that the story was completely fabricated. The Post had raised its standard in the community because of that story. And just as quickly, The Post had lost all credibility.
Those in power at the newspaper had not done their due diligence in both the hiring process and in the story review process.
In the 1970’s large city newspapers were much like other large corporations. They had plenty of money coming in from advertisers and subscribers. They could indeed compete on some level with governments and other corporations. They had the cash to pay investigative reporters well.
The only problem was that they were also susceptible to corruption.
News Consumers Have a Duty to be Vigilant
There is an old adage that says, “Buyer Beware.” This is true in all circumstances and situations in life. We must all gain that additional sense that enables us to be far more critical and investigative. We must also avoid being taken in so easily by the promises of politicians and the trickery of writers.
While we should always pre-determine our reliable sources and organizations, we should also always keep one eye open to the possibility that our reliable sources may let us down.
It has been said, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t true.”
For news coverage and social media posts, when something sounds far fetched, look for other reliable sources to confirm the information. Look to see who is quoted in the article or post. If no one other than the author is quoted, throw a red flag on that one. If someone else is quoted – especially unknown to you – check the credentials of the person.
If a respected person or organization is quoted, check those websites to find the same information.
Items posted online are not necessarily official or true. Basically, anyone can post content online – even six year olds, if they have access and know-how.
To gain news and information, do a little detective work and determine safe sources of news and use those sources on a regular basis.
If you are a frequent internet user, you are at risk. When your source of news is whatever pops up in social media or whatever grabs your attention on a news aggregation site, remember, “Buyer Beware”.
Newspapers Need Financial Support to Remain in Business
And finally, keep in mind that newspapers and news websites are still number one for uncovering corruption and bringing some of the best stories to us locally and from across the globe, but most of them are at risk due to record low financial receipts. To keep freedom of the press alive, consider subscribing or donating to your favorite newspaper – depending on their revenue model.
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RELATED ARTICLES:
Some Good Reasons For Locals to Support Their Hometown Newspaper
The Time is Now for a Local News Source
Someone said, “There’s not much news in Howard County”
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Invest in Your Community
As a reader of the Guilford Gazette, you are most likely vested in your community. Here at Maryland Newspapers LLC, we’re also vested. We are in the throes of adding a new asset, the Howard Courier.
With this new entity, we will cover and report news and information from the west to the east side of Howard County.
Our plan calls for up to eight reporters covering everything from Government to restaurants and much more.
But, to be honest, we need a bit of help from you today. With your donation, we can complete the build of our website and jumpstart our marketing efforts.
If you are interested or just curious, click the link below to review our donation page. Using PayPal or credit card, the transaction will only take a few minutes of your time.
The investment you make towards Howard Courier is indeed an investment in your community.
Sincerely,
Ricardo Whitaker | Owner / Publisher
