by David Morgan, Lawrence County Executive
Something momentous happened in Lawrence County that may have escaped your attention.
For many years we’ve had two newspapers, which is very rare for communities of our size. Newspapers all over the country have merged and closed as people rely more and more on the internet for news.
The Crawford family established the Democrat-Union in 1884 and members of that family operated it for four generations.
The Crawford family established the Democrat-Union in 1884 and members of that family operated it for four generations. The Lawrence County Advocate was established in 1985 by the Kennedy family of Maury County. Both papers have been acquired by Main Street Media, and the first combined publication came out February 19.
It would be noteworthy if two similar local businesses of any kind merged – say, Striker’s and the Brass Lantern. (That’s not happening. Let’s not get that rumor started.) But when rival newspapers that have served a community for decades become one, it is newsworthy and historic.
Much has changed in the world of newspapers as advertising and readership dwindle. This merger is another sign of it – there simply aren’t enough advertisers to support two publications.
I couldn’t urge your support of either newspaper, just like I can’t ask you to visit one restaurant instead of another. But now I can ask that you support our one newspaper, because it provides so much that the internet can’t. A newspaper is part of the community, and you become a more active participant in your community when you read it.
A local newspaper provides coverage of events that is more in-depth, and personal, than any other media. Where else could you read columns written by people you actually know? Find coverage of local ball games with player names and photos you can hang on your refrigerator? Read the minutes of a small club meeting? Clip out a list of Yard Sales for a fun-filled Saturday morning? Follow the area (live)stock market? At their best, local newspapers tell you not only when and where things occur in the community, but why and how.
You can support the Lawrence County Advocate – Democrat-Union by patronizing its advertisers. Mention to them that you saw their ad. Read the columns, look at the photos, cut out your favorites, and work the crossword puzzle. Peruse the list of local churches and visit one if you don’t already go. I’ve heard that United (middle column, second from the top) is a good one to try.
Read MoreLawrence County TN, Government
0 Comments