‘Why local papers are important’

LOCAL NEWSPAPER WEEK

IN a letter to the Chronicle, reader Shaun McGrath outlines why he believes local newspapers are vital to the health of local communities


WITH a plethora of local newspapers struggling to survive the economic downturn, the rallying cry of “Local Newspaper Week” is a pertinent reminder of just what’s at stake!

“The Chronicle —– making sure your voice is heard” (May 10) succinctly outlined the raison d’etre of all local newspapers, giving an impassioned outline of its editorial and journalistic approach; to quote: “Local newspapers tell the warts and all truth about the way communities are run while providing a unique platform for readers to have a say on the issues that really matter.”

It is perhaps the ultimate irony, that at a time when the very idea of democracy is being both challenged and in the eyes of many, gradually eroded, that we should see a steady decline in the fortunes of that model of democratic inclusion — the local newspaper.

The very principle of a free press, non-partisan and unencumbered by political/ideological affiliation, is a central plank in any thriving democracy; the very idea of which is anathema to a small band of countries/states, who see in such “exercises in free speech” an intolerable opposition to the “absolute” power and authority of government (local and national).

Controversial

The impartiality of the Oldham Chronicle, with its journalistic remit of “…shining a spotlight into the corridors of power” has brought to public attention some of the most infamous, contentious and deeply controversial decisions that our elected representatives would ideally like to see carefully brushed under the carpet.

To quote: “No other media can do this so effectively, especially not council-run newspapers which pretend to be impartial while promoting the interests of the local authority.”

With the blood, sweat and tears of our forefathers, the freedoms of the press we now take for granted, became enshrined in the hearts and minds of all citizens.

The daily letters page, with its lively and passionate exchange of views, owes a debt of gratitude to those men and women, who suffered imprisonment, torture and execution for not only expressing an opinion but having the temerity to both print and disseminate it.

As the Chronicle article states: “Local Newspaper Week isn’t just about your local newspaper. It’s about you, and the right to make your voice heard.”




I have been a lifelong reader of the Chronicle



COUNCILLOR Jackie Stanton, deputy leader of Oldham Council, said: “It is vitally important that I have access to a daily paper that keeps me up to date with all the local news, issues and events.



“The Oldham Chronicle not only provides me with this service but it also manages to incorporate the opinions and viewpoints of local people on the topics that are relevant to them.

“I have been a lifelong reader of the Oldham Chronicle, in fact if I remember rightly I learned to read using articles from the paper.

“The paper keeps me up to date with the day-to-day happenings in my own local community; over the years, I have rejoiced at birthdays, engagements, marriages and births and I now find myself looking at golden weddings and noting the birth of great-grandchildren, and yes, I will admit it I do find that my eyes now stray more often to the ‘dispatched’ column.

“In my opinion Oldham is fortunate to have a quality daily newspaper; I would urge people to continue buying, supporting and contributing to the paper.”