Rural newspaper, Plainsman Herald in Colorado, faced closure due to economic challenges, but after surveying readers, 95% were willing to pay more to keep it running. Owner, Kent Brooks, received overwhelming support from the community, with many offering to sponsor different sections of the paper. Various individuals have volunteered to contribute articles, photos, and other content to help keep the paper going. The Knight Foundation provided a grant to help launch a website for the paper. Other efforts to save local news include the National Trust for Local News assisting publications across the country and organizations like the American Journalism Project and Press Forward Initiative providing funding for nonprofit newsrooms. These initiatives all focus on the importance of community journalism and building trust within local communities. As the landscape of journalism changes, it is becoming increasingly evident that collaboration and community support are essential for sustaining local news outlets. The example of Plainsman Herald and its success in rallying community support serves as a testament to the resilience and importance of small-town newspapers in today’s media environment.
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Photo credit denvergazette.com
Saving a Newspaper: How a Village Works Together
