Local newspapers remain vital to American readers
On April 24, 1704 John Campbell published the first issue of the Boston News-Letter.
It was printed on both sides of a single sheet of paper and was distributed weekly with news and information valuable to its community.
It secured its place in American history as the first continuously published newspaper in America, circulating decades before newspapers began in places like New York and Philadelphia.
As settlers spread across the continent forming new communities, new cities and carving out new states, newspapers came with them. Those newspapers served to inform, educate and entertain the communities they served. Those newspapers called out wrong-doers and held elected officials accountable for their actions.
They served as platforms for people calling for change or seeking answers as well as rallying support for those in crisis and need. Newspapers helped topple corrupt leaders and helped raise awareness of issues of health and safety.
For the past 320 years, newspapers and in particular community newspapers have served their readers giving them the news they need to know, even when that news may be troubling or upsetting to read.
Through times of war and peace community newspapers have shared the stories of those in armed services protecting and guarding America’s interests at home and abroad and the stories of those who mission work and charitable activities seek to spread peace and service to the world.
It is a good bet that no one alive 320 years ago would have been able to imagine today’s world of near-instantaneous communication and technological marvels. But what they would recognize is the importance of community newspapers as essential tools in spreading truth in place of rumor, in comforting the afflicted in times of woe and in holding those in power accountable for their actions.
Community newspapers continue to serve a vital role telling the stories of their villages, cities and towns and reporting on the triumphs and tragedies of the people who live there. Community newspapers are the traveling companion in the passenger seat letting you know when you have missed a turn and offering suggestions on how to get back on course. Community newspapers are the trusted friend who tells the harsh truth when you would rather hear comfortable lies.
Community newspapers have also increasingly taken on the role of verifiers of information to ensure that readers are armed with correct information, rather than salacious rumor and outright lies. Given the current state of what passes for political debate in the country, this has become increasingly necessary.
This week is National Newspaper Week. It is a time for community newspapers to tell their stories and celebrate their role in helping their communities continue to grow strong. It is also a time to thank you, our readers, who welcome us into your homes and lives each week.
The Central Wisconsin Publications Editorial Board consists of publisher Kris O’Leary and editor Brian Wilson.
