National Newspaper Week celebrates the ‘daily miracle’
opinion
Newspapers in Pennsylvania have a long history of providing timely, accurate and informative news to the citizens of the Commonwealth. We deliver the stories that matter most to residents of local communities; stories that often cannot be found elsewhere. Despite the challenges and uncertainties that have largely defined 2020, one constant has remained: the people of Pennsylvania have continued to turn to our local newspapers for credible and reliable information to help guide them through these turbulent times.
Each year during the first week of October, our industry celebrates National Newspaper Week. It is a time for us to recognize and thank all who contribute to producing the “daily miracle” you are reading now. From the print and digital journalists and editors who report the news of the day, the advertising sales staff who helps local retailers promote their businesses, the production crew that designs and prints the newspaper, the newspaper carriers who faithfully deliver despite the weather and the newspaper managers who oversee the entire process, it truly takes a dedicated team to ensure that you have access to quality journalism and essential news.
There are so many important considerations these days that directly impact you and your local community. Pennsylvania’s newspapers work tirelessly to provide readers with vital news and information to help you make informed decisions and stay safe. From COVID-19-related topics including state guidelines and mandates, business openings and closings and back-to-school and back-to-sports coverage, to reporting about community protests and riots and scrutinizing political candidates and upcoming election platforms, our newspapers are the cornerstones of our communities and the watchdogs of democracy.
Pennsylvania newspapers are the most trusted source of local and credible news according to a Coda Ventures study. It is our privilege and our duty to provide you with unbiased reporting on the issues that matter most. Our stories are fact-checked so you can confidently read the truth, become better informed and make the choices that are right for you. You deserve nothing less.
As the Fourth Estate, we are stalwart defenders and protectors of First Amendment rights. The contributions of newspapers, both large and small, daily and non-daily, serve as an important reminder of why our Founding Fathers wrote freedom of the press into the Constitution’s Bill of Rights.
We are proud to provide our great communities with the information they need, and we are excited about our future. Together, with you, we remain committed to serving the needs of a stronger, tighter and more connected community. You can count on us.
Brad Simpson is president of the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association. The PNA headquartered in Harrisburg is the state trade association for the print and digital newspaper industry. Representing more than 250 media properties throughout the commonwealth, PNA’s mission is to advance the business interests of Pennsylvania news media organizations and to promote a free and independent press.
