The community rallied to save the Plainsman Herald, demonstrating the importance of local journalism in fostering democracy and community connection, as owner Kent Brooks noted, 'They were saying, 'We don't want to lose our paper.' That is something that struck me: It's as much of the community's as it is mine.' The collective effort showcased the necessity for local news, especially in regions often facing news deserts.
Readers expressed a strong desire to maintain their local news source, with offers of support ranging from financial contributions to organizing fundraising events. Brooks highlighted this sentiment: 'They were stepping up to save the only news source across the county's six towns,' reflecting the communal value placed on the publication.
After experiencing significant challenges, including rising costs and a dwindling advertising base, the Plainsman Herald managed to secure its future through community support, which Brooks described: 'Readers were willing to pay double their subscription rate,' allowing the paper to continue its vital role in the community.
The closure of the paper would have left a significant gap, as many other local newspapers have shut down, leading to information deserts. Brooks recognized this plight, stating, 'At least 2,200 local newspapers have closed across the United States since 2005,' illuminating the pressing need for community-backed journalism.
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