Local outlets can fill news voids

Southern California and New Orleans — two examples already in this young year that show why local news remains an essential community resource.

I’m thinking of all of you affected by the horrific Southern California wildfires this week. Be vigilant, safe and act on warnings and evacuation orders.

Meta’s not media

With Meta’s announcement that it’s going the way of Twitter to a facts-optional policy, it’s important for us to quadruple-check sources for stories. Even when you launch a public relations campaign, you need to research outlets on your media list before you pitch. Look for those that deal in facts — not hot takes, innuendo or rumormongering. You don’t want to find your business part of an unintentional publicity storm by giving time to unreliable sources.

Go local

Local news organizations have been publicly hammered during the last decade, although not as much as national outlets. Staffs have been gutted; they're accused of recycling salacious headlines and ignoring viewers’ need for community news and trusted journalists. It feels like at least some are working to correct these.

That said, it shouldn’t take a tragedy to remind bean counters, reporters or consumers of their shared responsibility. Legacy media was built to serve communities, but citizens took it for granted and many were quick to criticize when politics told them to.

We owe credible, fact-first journalists our respect.

“Local journalists are uniquely positioned to tell those stories in personal, meaningful ways—because they live here, know the community and care deeply about the people they cover,” Tim Stephens, General Manager and Editor in Chief for Starnes Media said. “Supporting local news means investing in these connections, preserving the accountability that keeps our neighborhoods strong and building a more vibrant, informed community. When you stand behind local journalism, you ensure the stories that matter most continue to be told.”

Credible, trustworthy news is a necessity, not a luxury. Let corporate owners know you value professionals who provide fact-based journalism and educated editorials. Remind them you have options on and offline and will go elsewhere if they cheapen or shortchange you or fill space with drivel. Journalists loyal to the craft go extra miles to deliver truth in and beyond the moment. Cherish them. Respect them. Support them.

This week, like earlier this month and every one preceding, we thank them — and first responders — for their work.

© 2025 Gail Sideman, gpublicity.com

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Thank you again for reading. I always appreciate your thoughts.