Sunshine Week Highlights the Power of the Free Press

Being in the newspaper business, one of the obstacles we fight back against most often these days is the idea that newspapers are irrelevant because people “get their news” from social media. On its face, it has some merit. It seems most people these days are on social media in one form or another. Facebook has taken hold of older generations while TikTok, Snapchat and the like garner the attention of younger crowds. No platform in itself is bad, even those designed to cater to a particular crowd like President Donald Trump’s Truth Social platform. There’s a place for everyone.
The problem with social media is the lack of guardrails and accountability. People say anything and everything, very often fanning the flames of politics and prejudices. Every morning I find myself fuming not so much at what people share but that very intelligent, thoughtful people share the craziest, most outlandish posts because they look legitimate.
Here’s where newspapers stand apart: we have something on the line. We aren’t anonymous social media accounts or bots planted by foreign entities — and, yes, that is a real thing. We are your neighbors. We go to the same grocery stores you do, and we may attend the same church you do.
We never publish anything we cannot provide a reliable background source for. We do not peddle in conspiracy, nor do we take sides politically. The individuals who work here have their own ideas, and we are just as entitled to that freedom as anyone reading this column. But it doesn’t sway our coverage.
The power of the press is very real and very much alive. A case in point: two weeks ago, we reported on the first reading of a new ordinance in the city of Barbourville that would have seen landlords heavily fined for illegal actions of their tenants. On the surface, it looks like common sense legislation. But the realities raise the question of how enforceable the ordinance would be, and how it would truly help people. If a landlord is heavily fined and forced to evict a tenant because that tenant is arrested, it could displace an entire family. But what if the arrested individual is found not guilty? Where is the accountability in that?
After we reported on the first reading, the second reading came before a regular City Council meeting. Concerned citizens showed up and impassioned opinions were shared. Aside from the finger-pointing and accusations, the City Council tabled the ordinance and a couple of council members apologized to the community. The ordinance was later permanently tabled.
The moral of the story is there is power in the press. By reporting on the first reading, the community took notice and took control of the situation. Residents showed up, made their voices heard, and the proposed law died before it was ever enforced.
This is a prime example of why newspapers are still relevant. This week is Sunshine Week, defined as “a nonpartisan collaboration among groups in the journalism, civic, education, government and private sectors that shines a light on the importance of public records and open government.”
Our mission at The Mountain Advocate has never changed. We exist to keep our community informed, and that’s what we will always do.
Thank you for believing in the power of the press.