A longtime subscriber recently sent Herald Publisher Rudi Alcott this message, “I was struck by the poignancy of having a local paper with the end-of-the-year columns the Herald printed. Local journalism is valued and valuable.”
They went on to say the value of local journalism is more than just current news because it brings people together. And then they shared this story: About 20 years ago, a photo of a local police officer in the line of duty was published on the front page of The Herald. A friend of the police officer saw the photo, and through a variety of situations, the end result was a first date followed by engagement and then marriage. This year, the couple will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary.
A photo in The Herald might not start a love story every day, but our local journalism does have the power to connect those who read and use it with others and their community. We know this because of what you tell us through the stories you share — like the one about a first date that became 20 years of marriage — and how you answer the question about why you support local news.
When I asked Mike Dahlstrom why he decided to give to one of The Herald’s journalism funds, which enable us to meet our community’s needs for more reporting on the topics you value, he replied, “Journalism is ESSENTIAL for our, or any, democracy. I’ve been taking the Herald for 35-40 years and I do not want to see it go away. A local paper such as the Herald is essential for COMMUNITY, to keep us connected to what’s happening locally. It’s a reflection of who we are as a community.”
All of us at The Herald take great pride in being the primary source for local journalism in our community. We take that role — with its power to bring people together and make a difference in the lives of our readers — seriously. That’s why we seek to learn what’s important to you for your local newspaper to provide so we all can stay informed and connected.
Last year we asked for your input in a “listening survey” and we hosted several online community conversations about local journalism. We also introduced Behind the News Stories, a special event that gave audience members a chance to ask questions of The Herald news team.
As we plan these ways and more to stay connected with you this year, we’d like to hear the ideas you recommend we try. If you have suggestions, please reach out to me at brenda.harrison@heraldnet.com.
Thank you: We are grateful to all of you who read and use The Herald to connect with others and engage in your community. We are honored to be a part of your lives.
Engage with climate journalism: Julie Titone, the freelance writer who provides Herald readers with stories about the local impacts of climate change, is speaking about climate journalism at 4:45 p.m. Feb. 25 at ACT Inspired, a unique event and art exhibition at Snohomish’s Carnegie building, 105 Cedar Ave., Snohomish.
ACT Inspired aims to spark new ideas, share fresh perspectives and encourage positive solutions to the climate crisis through engagement with a variety of artists and speakers. For more information and an event schedule, visit facebook.com/ActInspiredArtShow.
Brenda Mann Harrison is the journalism development director for The Daily Herald. To learn more about the impact of local news and how you can join others in supporting community journalism, go to heraldnet.com/local-news-impact, send an email to brenda.harrison@heraldnet.com or call 425-339-3452. The Daily Herald maintains editorial control over content produced through community-funded initiatives.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
Gallery
