Local newspapers keep communities strong*

By Rory Ryan
The Highland County Press

Yes, there is an asterisk in the headline. I copied it from a recent column by Dean Ridings, CEO of America’s Newspapers. America’s Newspapers (https://www.newspapers.org) is the leading newspaper association serving family, independent and corporate owners in the U.S. Prior to joining America’s Newspapers, Ridings was the president and CEO of the Florida Press Association, and its subsidiary Intersect Media Solutions. 

"Strong communities don’t just happen," Ridings said in an October column. "They rely on connection – residents knowing what’s going on, businesses reaching the customers who keep them open, and citizens having the facts to make good decisions. Local newspapers provide that connection in ways no other source can."

I used to believe that, and would still like to. However, with the social media environment of 2025, in which everyone with a cell phone camera is an immediate – if untrained – "journalist," I'm not so sure.

Admittedly, I have no Facebook or any other social media page. I do not "podcast," whatever that is. I have spent the last 45 consecutive years in the printing profession. What passes as online "news" today is often amusing, and even more often, inaccurate.

Those rushing for online "clicks" and social media attention have every right (for now, pending Section 230; see https://highlandcountypress.com/opinions/republicans-walking-trap-secti…), but the words caveat emptor also come to mind. Buyer beware.

What you read on certain social media sites isn't always accurate or fair.

When former Cincinnati Enquirer Metro editor Jim Rohrer taught a journalism class at Chatfield College decades ago, on his first day in front of the class, he wrote two words on the chalkboard. (Yes, we had chalkboards back in the 19s.)

Those two words were: Accuracy and Fairness. If you wanted to be a newspaper reporter, those words were paramount to your credibility.

I have worked with and around a few newspaper hacks who played fast and loose with accuracy and fairness. We do not at The Highland County Press. We never have. We never will. We respect our readers and advertisers, and we realize we have to earn that every day.

"In today’s fractured media environment, trust is the rarest commodity," Ridings wrote. "Confidence in 'the media' is low. Only 18 percent of Americans say they trust news on social platforms, and fewer than one in four trust cable networks. But nearly two-thirds say they trust their local newspaper – more than double the confidence placed in most other outlets. In an era when anyone can post anything online, that clarity makes newspapers stand apart."

Let's hope.

Ridings adds: "(The newspaper's) role depends on support. Subscriptions, advertising and community engagement make it possible for newspapers to continue earning the trust that communities depend on."

Absolutely.

Recently, a good friend sent a short video (https://archive.mountainworkshops.org/history/null/30563) from where The Highland County Press is printed each week. Press operators Buck and Aaron were interviewed. I really enjoyed the video; but lamented, somewhat, that it was headlined "The Last Press." 

I sure hope that is not prophetic. 

Local newspapers, like local grocery stores, pharmacies, and every other business, need local support to survive. Communities across Ohio and the U.S. will have fair and accurate newspapers as long as the citizens support them.

Personally, I have the feeling that younger generations (damn; I hate writing that, it makes me feel old) prefer social media posts to fair and accurate news reporting. Everyone on social media can present his or hers or "its, they's, them's" (in 2025 moronic parlance) expert reporting via cell phone video, regardless of the facts.

On a more positive note, The HCP does hear from many readers who do appreciate our services. We greatly appreciate that. We are fortunate to have many local businesses who continue to support us. There is only one local newspaper office in Highland County – this one – and we are locally owned and operated.

We could not do this without local support. So, I say, thank you, to all of our readers and advertisers.

* * *

• Off topic, but perhaps timely and relevant, I had a very nice meeting this afternoon with Greenfield mayoral candidate Kevin Curren. 

Kevin and I met years ago; but in all accuracy, I knew his father, Conrad Curren, long before I knew Kevin. My dad and Conrad were good pals, through a few trials (ahem) and tribulations.

Kevin reminded me of Conrad, in a good way, of course. 

It's funny that my son, Colin, often reminds me of my own father. Very similar personalities and senses of humor. There's always been a sense of humor in my family.

Frankly, I do not think that Kevin Curren "needs" to be mayor of Greenfield. I think he's running for the office to truly serve and give back to his hometown. Good for him. And maybe for Greenfield's future.

This is not an endorsement, mind you. I do not live in Greenfield, so I do not have the proverbial dog in the fight. It would not be right to endorse.

But I do appreciate that Kevin took the time to meet with me and discuss his thoughts on Greenfield's future. That was refreshing.

I suppose social media will suffice for others.

Rory Ryan is publisher and owner of The Highland County Press.