As media publications are being blocked from having their stories on Google, Instagram and Facebook, it’s time for individuals to start thinking about getting back to the basics to get their word out via the ever-enduring hardcopy newspaper. Right here in this small city, the Moose Jaw Express newspaper is still a coveted commodity and well-read.
Don’t misunderstand, we will always have our web pages so you can read our newspaper online, but for those that look to Instagram and Facebook for these articles, they may not be there much longer for you to get ‘your’ news out.
One good thing you can always say about a newspaper is that newspaper publications are held to a much higher standard than what sometimes appears online. For the most part, much of what individuals put out on these mediums such as Instagram and Facebook are quite often untruths without any accountability.
Another fact is that our reporters do not make the news; we only write it. When the reporters attend to interviews or events to cover, they tape all the conversations for accuracy to quote, as well as a safeguard, so that when they write the local news, they are accountable too.
We started as a small paper with big hearts and not bulging pockets to bring the people here in this city local and regional news about the people who live here and what goes on. Since our inception 14 years ago, that has always been the focus and will continue to be. Our desire is to be an avenue to get the stories out and a place to advertise local.
We do also allow letters to the editor and op/eds, with a basic criteria when submitting with a word cap, also we request a name, address and phone number for verification purposes, although only the name appears in print with the submitted letter to the editor. Therefore, individuals who submit also have to have some accountability as well. Although individuals may not always agree with these personal viewpoints and comments, we still believe that individuals have a right to speak their thoughts, as long as it is within appropriate media guidelines.
I know some of you will think I’m just touting my own horn; not so much! Censorship, control and media domination seem to be more of a concern these days. I just want you, our local/regional readership to know we still have your back and we are still here to be a service to you!
Happy reading!
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
