In recent months, local newspapers across the country have faced a significant challenge: the increasing cost of postage. For small-town newspapers like The Newton County Appeal, these rate hikes threaten our ability to deliver timely and affordable news to our readers. This issue is not just about rising costs; it’s about the survival of local journalism and the role it plays in our communities.
Local newspapers have always operated on tight budgets. We rely on a combination of subscriptions, advertising revenue, and sometimes donations to keep the presses running. Increases in postage rates, however, add another layer of financial strain. Each time the cost of mailing a newspaper goes up, our expenses rise, but our revenue does not necessarily increase to match. This disparity puts us in a difficult position: either absorb the costs, which can lead to budget cuts and reduced quality, or pass the costs onto our readers, which risks losing subscribers who cannot afford the higher prices.
The impact of these postal rate increases is particularly acute for community newspapers. The United States Postal Service (USPS) announced that starting January 2024, there would be a 7.3 percent increase in the local Within County mailing rate for newspapers, nearly four times the rate increase proposed for other users of the mail. This stark increase underscores the financial challenges facing local newspapers, already grappling with the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and declining advertising revenues.
Local newspapers are more than just businesses; they are pillars of the community. They provide crucial information about local government, schools, events, and issues that national and regional media often overlook. In places like Newton County, where residents may not have easy access to digital news, the local newspaper is often the primary source of information. We cover stories that matter to our readers, stories that impact their daily lives. This local focus fosters a sense of community and ensures that residents are informed and engaged.
Given the importance of local newspapers, it’s crucial that we seek legislative support to address these postal rate increases. I have personally reached out to U.S. Congressman Michael Guest, urging him to take action on this issue. We need policies that recognize the unique challenges faced by local newspapers and provide us with the support necessary to continue our work. One potential solution is the introduction of postal subsidies for local newspapers. These subsidies could help offset the increased costs, allowing us to maintain our subscription rates and continue providing high-quality journalism to our readers. Additionally, Congress could consider legislation that caps postal rate increases for periodicals, ensuring that future hikes are more manageable.
A new piece of legislation, the Deliver for Democracy Act, introduced by Senators Rounds and Welch, aims to address these very issues. The act proposes to hold the USPS accountable for maintaining delivery standards before raising rates, ensuring that local newspapers can continue to deliver timely news. It also mandates that the USPS achieve at least a 95% on-time delivery rate for periodicals or show an improvement of at least 2 percentage points to unlock its surcharge authority. This legislative effort is a step towards making the postal system a viable partner for local newspapers again.
The survival of local newspapers is not just a local issue; it has national implications. When small-town newspapers struggle or close, it creates information deserts—areas where residents have little to no access to reliable news. This lack of information can lead to lower civic engagement, less accountability for local officials, and a general decline in community cohesion. Moreover, the decline of local newspapers can have a ripple effect on the media industry as a whole. Many national and regional journalists got their start at local newspapers, where they honed their skills and learned the importance of community-focused reporting. Without these local training grounds, the future of quality journalism is at risk.
We must act now to protect local journalism. I encourage our readers to reach out to their elected representatives and express their support for measures that will help local newspapers thrive. Your voices can make a difference in ensuring that we continue to have access to the news that matters most to our community. At The Newton County Appeal, we are committed to serving our readers with integrity and dedication. We will continue to fight for the resources we need to keep you informed and engaged. Thank you for your continued support, and together, we can ensure that local journalism remains a vital part of our community.
In conclusion, rising postal rates are more than just a financial hurdle for local newspapers—they threaten the very fabric of our communities. By working together and advocating for legislative support, we can preserve the essential role that local journalism plays in our society. Let’s make sure that newspapers like The Newton County Appeal continue to thrive and serve our communities for generations to come.
Timothy Holdiness is the publisher of The Newton County Appeal and can be reached at holdiness@newtoncountyappeal.com.
