The media surrounds us, but does not inform us of the issues in our local communities. That is the job of a local newspaper, one that is owned and operated by citizens of the community in which they write about. Journalists who live locally have a stake in finding out the truth and understanding community issues, since it is where they live and raise their family. They will be more dedicated to the well being of the community than a writer that lives an hour away in the big city. Without a local newspaper, Hernando county will lose its identity and become just another suburb of Tampa.
Without a local newspaper it is harder to keep track of issues faced by the local government as well as businesses. Our businesses will not have an advertising outlet or a strong forum for reviews. Without a local paper, the tourism industry will suffer. Hernando county wants to be known as a unique destination for eco-tourism, but who will run the stories about all Hernando County has to offer?
We need to know who in our community has recently passed away so that we can mourn together. We need to know who in our community needs help because they have fallen on hard times and we need to know who is doing a good job helping them. Larger media outlets cannot provide this service, it can only come from the people who are on the ground, closest to the lives affected.
Hernando County is a unique place, deserving of its own newspaper. We have a rich history that should not be forgotten. Frasier Mountain, has spent the majority of his 91 years in Hernando County and reflects on the importance of having a local paper,
Of course, in today’s society we do not communicate or gossip in the same manner we used to, the internet and TV has done away with the Family chatter, the neighborhood climate and the community spirit, all of which I deem to be very important for the well being, for a mannerly, honest, organized community spirit. The newspaper has always been at the heart of all that, from the personal delivery boy (where I started) to the editorial leadership where we should be headed, with down to earth comments of what is going on from the mouths of those in charge and the wannabees…Everybody needs a voice! At this time we have none of the above, even with the big time newspapers with their satellite editions. They do not fill that void left by the old Brooksville Sun-Journal of years ago.
The local newspaper has the ability to strengthen community ties, but it is also in their power to sever them. Just like a corrupt government and a media that does its bidding, a local newspaper could pick winners and losers for political and financial gains. This would not be in our best interest. Hopefully a group of honest, hardworking individuals dedicated to telling the truth, good or bad, will emerge to serve Hernando County.