As an ag journalist with nearly 30 years of experience (including much of it rooted in newspapers), I’ve heard every excuse about why newspapers are irrelevant. I’m not going to lie—those comments sting, no matter how often I hear them and try to build up a thick skin. When Farm News celebrated its anniversary a few weeks ago, I took the opportunity to write a column for them about why newspapers are still relevant in this digital age.
I first got a taste of this in the summer of 1996 when I started as an intern in Fort Dodge with Farm News, a weekly, regional farm newspaper that was only a year old back then. Oh, how much I had to learn! The only writing for publication I’d done at that point came from my role as the editor of the Iowa Agriculturist, a monthly student magazine at Iowa State University, where I was earning my journalism/mass communication and history degrees.
Oh sure, I’d written plenty of academic essays and term papers from junior high through college, but teachers, professors and my parents were my only “audience.” I remember how nervous I was the first few times my byline appeared in Farm News that summer. Suddenly, my name was attached to real articles, which could be read by real people—and nearly all of them probably knew much more about the subject matter than I did. What if I screwed up?
I forged ahead and did my best to learn all I could that summer. Fortunately, Farm News was a great place to get plenty of practical, real-world, hands-on learning, thanks to guidance from Farm News Editor Bill Rentsch and other staff at Farm News and the Ft. Dodge Messenger.
Oh, how the world has changed
Since those days, the media world has transformed dramatically. Today, we’re living in a world where people keep asking if newspapers are relevant in the digital age.
Sometimes the people I visit with claim newspapers are outdated and basically worthless in today’s world of electronic communication. To me, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. As I reflect on my experiences, I’m convinced that newspapers like Farm News continue to play a vital role in our society.
Sometimes the people I visit with claim newspapers are outdated and basically worthless in today’s world of electronic communication. To me, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. As I reflect on my experiences,
While I use all forms of electronic communication tools daily, there’s something unique about reading a newspaper. I like to take a break from screens, especially at the end of the work day. A newspaper remains a convenient gateway to staying informed about the world around us, including our local communities. A regional newspaper like Farm News relies on a network of local, dedicated reporters/writers/photographers throughout the coverage area who create stories focused on local people and local topics of interest.
Don’t underestimate the value of critical thinking
These articles and editorials also encourage critical thinking, thanks to level of detail that newspaper articles can provide. This is vital, especially when the subject at hand is something complex, like factors driving the grain markets or the debate over carbon pipelines. Social media posts and online videos seldom provide this level of depth. The kind of engagement the newspaper encourages makes us better-informed citizens, voters and community members.
To me, one of the most compelling reasons to keep newspapers in your information mix is the newspaper’s unique ability to strengthen communities. Local and regional newspapers like Farm News play a pivotal role in providing stories you won’t find anywhere else. When you read Farm News, there’s a good chance you’ll see someone you know, or you’ll learn more about what’s going on in your area.
As a historian, I’m also keenly aware of how community newspapers literally write the first draft of history. Since hyper-local news typically isn’t covered by larger media outlets, this may be the only historical record that will be created.
While the allure of social media lies in its immediacy and low cost, newspapers offer a different kind of value – one grounded in authenticity, credibility and the permanence of the printed word. In an era where information is readily available online but often lacks substance and accuracy, a newspaper like Farm News endures as stalwart source of reliable news that fosters community engagement as we share the stories of rural Iowa.
As long as people value accurate information, in-depth reporting, and a connection to our communities, newspapers like Farm News will remain an indispensable part of our modern lives. As I wrote in my column to Farm News readers, and I’m writing to you now, thank you for being part of this journey.