When I first stepped into the world of journalism just over a year ago, I didn’t anticipate how deeply community stories would touch my heart. One moment, in particular, stands out. I was working at The Daily News in Bogalusa, Louisiana, when a subscriber came in to renew her subscription. In our conversation, she shared how she had started a reading group to help local elementary students improve their reading skills. Her dedication to the local youth moved me, and I knew it was a story that needed to be told. We featured her and her group on the front page, and soon after, the group grew, expanding its impact across the community. That’s the power of local news—it doesn’t just inform, it fosters growth and connection.
More recently, at The Newton County Appeal, we featured a young man from a local school who was running for an election in a national student organization. To know that his family was so touched they framed the article reminded me again of the importance of the work we do. Newspapers are more than just a source of information—they’re a way to celebrate and uplift the people and stories that matter in our communities.
At The Newton County Appeal, my team and I make it a point to stay engaged with the community by attending Board of Aldermen meetings and local events throughout the county. We try to cover as much ground as we can, but with multiple meetings often happening simultaneously, it can be a challenge. We're considering hiring local residents to attend these meetings as observers, gathering notes and ensuring that every corner of our community is represented in the news we share. This type of engagement helps us stay in tune with what truly matters to our readers.
Running a local newspaper comes with its share of challenges. Perhaps the greatest is the rise of social media, where many now turn for their news. We publish once a week, and with elections or other events happening, timing can be tough. For example, come Tuesday, Nov. 5, we will send our paper to print early Tuesday afternoon, but election results won’t be finalized until later that evening. When our paper hits newsstands on Wednesday, most everyone will already have the updates. Still, we stand firm in our role as a reliable, accurate source of news, ensuring that what we report is complete and trustworthy.
In a world where misinformation is rampant, the role of local newspapers has never been more crucial. By maintaining our commitment to accuracy and fairness, we remain a trusted voice for Newton County. Our readers know that when they open The Newton County Appeal, they’re getting the facts—free from spin or hidden agendas. This trust is something we’ve earned over time, through multiple publishers and staff members, and we don't take it lightly.
As we look to the future, we believe that local newspapers will continue to be an integral part of their communities. We aren’t just reporting on what happens; we’re part of the fabric that holds our towns and counties together. By highlighting local achievements, informing the public, and holding those in power accountable, we contribute to the well-being of Newton County.
My message to our readers is simple: support local journalism. In an age where television news often prioritizes entertainment over truth, we at The Newton County Appeal are here to deliver unbiased, community-focused reporting. We are your neighbors, your friends, and your fellow citizens, and we’re committed to telling the stories that matter to you.
Timothy Holdiness, The Newton County Appeal.
