The 4th estate

You may be amazed by the times I hear, “You still work at a newspaper?”

That is usually spoken in a solemn, apologetic manner, like the speaker wanted to console me on the loss of something near and dear to my heart.

Granted, daily newspapers are taking a hit which broadcast and digital media people love to talk about. But community papers are where the industry is growing.

It is harder to make a buck at community papers but the ones doing the best are those which understand and deliver on their mission to engage and inform.

I care about community papers because they allowed me to raise, cloth, feed and shelter my family. I also love community life and the sense of being a part of something bigger than myself.

Community papers are invested in our individual communities. We’re brick and mortar businesses paying local school and property taxes. It’s in our own interest to pay attention to the actions of local officials.

It’s our job to be our community’s watchdog. Sometimes we are “nice guys,” merely reporting on what happens. But we need to wear big boy pants in reporting.

I love it when our papers report on new businesses. I love it when we report on all the things our kids are doing in school.

While I hate reporting on a tragedy, my spirits are lifted by stories of our community coming together to help the stricken.

It’s our job to report on the life and times of those who live here. From new arrivals to life stories in obituaries and all the accomplishments in between, we publish the news better than any other media source.

We cheer with the community at its successes, we mourn a loss and we point out wrongs. We promote civic liberty and welfare. We shine light into dark, secret places. We filter out rumor and innuendo so common on social media. We present facts.

A community paper worth its salt cares not only for the residents it represents but also the businesses which drive our communities economically. Local brick and mortar businesses are invested in our communities. They are the ones who sponsor little league teams and donate items to charities.

Community papers connect local business to consumers better than any one else.

I will continue to engage and challenge readers. I will continue to be the cheerleader and the pain in the neck not just because it’s my job. It’s because I care.

If you’re a local business person, how do you feel about local consumers buying online when you are invested locally?

If you’re a local resident, how much do you think Facebook, Amazon, Google, Instagram and other giant online businesses give back to our community?

Don Rush is a Michigan community newspaper publisher, writes an award-winning column and is working on a book he has titled, “Don’t Rush Me, I’m Making Mistakes As Fast As I Can.”