The role of your community newspaper

Last week, I received an email from a faithful reader who wrote:

“...but I believe we can collect a whole ocean of these happy moments, drop by drop, and swim in them even during the most difficult times of our lives …that is a sentence any writer in the world would be proud to have written. The fact that we can read something so beautifully expressed in the Crowsnest Pass Herald is wonderful. I look forward to the next article by Iryna Oleksiivna with great anticipation.”

First and foremost, I love that a reader took the time to give feedback on the paper, feedback that shows our readers are not just skimming the headlines but truly engaging with the content. Second, it confirms that what Iryna is writing resonates with our readership. That is the essence of a good newspaper: to inform, to connect, and to inspire.

 Recently, I had the opportunity to speak on a podcast hosted by the Public Policy Forum (PPF), an independent, non-partisan think tank dedicated to improving governance and public policy in Canada. The PPF brings together leaders from government, business, academia, and civil society to tackle pressing policy challenges and develop practical solutions. Their work spans economic growth, digital transformation, and democratic governance, among other critical issues.

 My invitation to the podcast was to discuss the role of newspapers in Canada. I often wonder why I am asked to these conversations. In the grand scheme of things, I am a small player in this industry, however I do have a loud voice when it comes to advocating for local journalism.

 During the podcast, I emphasized that newspapers serve as the check and balance of the communities they represent. I believe in that role wholeheartedly. I have strong opinions, and my editorial is where I voice them. However, those opinions do not dictate the rest of the paper. If a submitted piece is not libellous, I will print it. It is a principle I stand by.

 I am even slightly proud to say I have been sued before. As Buddy used to say, “if you haven’t been sued, you’re not doing your job.” He himself was sued three times and lost all three. That is part of the reality of speaking truth to power.

 Our community reporter Nicholas is committed to presenting both sides of a story. His job is to report the facts, provide balanced perspectives, and allow readers to decide where they stand. That is the foundation of credible journalism.

 Last week’s issue featured two letters to the editor. Did I agree with them? Absolutely not. Do I believe they had a right to be published? Absolutely. That is what a newspaper should be, a platform for diverse voices, a space for dialogue, and a catalyst for critical thinking.

 Whether you agree with my editorials, whether you agree with what Nicholas’ reports, the most important thing is that you can read, reflect, and form your own opinion. That is the heart of a free and independent press, and I will fight for that right every single day.

 So, to the reader who took the time to share his thoughts on Iryna’s story, thank you. I am thrilled it resonated with you. If something in this paper makes you think twice, moves you, or compels you to write a letter to the editor, then we are doing our job.

That, my friends, is the role of your community newspaper. And I will fight every single day to ensure we are still here to tell your stories.