With World News Day on Saturday, it is a timely reminder of the important role that local journalism plays in regional and rural communities.

Local and regional newspapers serve an important function in their communities – not only documenting day-to-day life activities, but also highlighting the groups, organisations and clubs that make our communities tick.

But it is more so public interest journalism that is critical, acts as a lifeline on so many occasions – for instance connecting residents to council matters and government departments in ways that larger media companies either overlook or, to put it bluntly, don’t care about.

Sure, the world’s big news stories often grab the global headlines, splashed across front pages of newspapers worldwide and leading television and radio bulletins.

But in small towns, rural areas and regional cities, there are so many important news items to cover that matter to our communities.

Who else can provide a collective voice for a community than a local media outlet?

There are many positive results achieved when a local newspaper stands side-by-side with their community to lobby governments for a better outcome.

Country Press Australia has more than 230 member newspapers, which serve as an essential voice in their respective communities.

Regional media can hold authorities to account just as well as they can report on local sport and celebrate achievements.

As local government elections heat up, and candidates are elected into positions of power and influence, our communities need to be well informed when making decisions about who should hold such positions.

And where else to turn to find this critical information? Their local newspaper.

In coming weeks, The Weekly Advertiser will publish profiles on candidates for all six local governments in our region.

Starting with Horsham and Ararat rural cities in October 2 edition, then Northern Grampians, Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack and West Wimmera shires in following editions.

Regional and local newspapers know their communities like no other – and play a vital role in providing factual information to underpin a healthy democracy.

While there is no doubt a role for social media in informing communities – even local newspapers use it every day as a tool to help distribute their online news – people must remember to read such information with a critical eye and always be on the lookout for misinformation.  

Journalists work hard to ensure the news published both in print and online is accurate and balanced.

Local journalism should always aim to produce news that is in the best interests of their communities.

It may not always be favourable or positive, but news that readers and communities need to be aware of is of upmost importance to the functioning of society.

Local newspapers should be a reflection of their communities, which are made up of a myriad of people, lifestyles, interests and ways of life.

By supporting your local newspaper, readers, businesses and organisations are not only helping to keep their communities informed but also supporting the crucial role of public interest journalism.

The entire September 25, 2024 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire September, 25, 2024 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!