JOE ZEMBA
La Junta Tribune-Democrat

OPINION<n>

I was deeply saddened to hear about the closure of two southeastern Colorado newspapers in Lamar and Springfield last week and I feel for the journalists who lost their jobs as a result.

For those of us in the newspaper industry, the closing of a newspaper is comparable to the death of a distant relative that you may not have known personally, or ever even met, but nevertheless, they’re still family and their absence is felt by the rest of us.

This hits close to home.

The closure of newspapers in southeastern Colorado marks a troubling trend that echoes a national crisis in local journalism.

This marks the fourth closure, that I’m aware of, in our immediate region in the last two years, leaving communities without a crucial source of information and oversight.

The ramifications of these closures are monumental, affecting everything from civic engagement to local governance. Local newspapers serve an important role, including keeping citizens informed about critical issues such as school board decisions, city council meetings, and local elections. Without these publications, a significant gap is left in our local landscape.

The decline of local newspapers can be attributed to several factors. The rise of digital media has dramatically altered the advertising landscape, with businesses opting for cheaper online ads over traditional print. This shift has eroded the financial foundation of many local newspapers, which rely heavily on advertising revenue. Additionally, the consolidation of media companies has often resulted in cost-cutting measures that lead to the closure of smaller, less profitable papers.

In southeastern Colorado, the loss of local newspapers is particularly concerning given the region’s rural nature. Unlike urban areas, where alternative news sources might be more readily available, rural communities often lack media outlets. This means that when a newspaper closes, the void it leaves behind is not easily filled.

The loss of newspapers can also diminish the sense of community, as residents have fewer opportunities to connect over shared local stories and issues. To address this crisis, it is crucial for communities to recognize the value of local journalism and explore ways to support it.

The closure of newspapers in southeastern Colorado is more than just a loss of news; it is a loss of community engagement. As these newspapers disappear, the fabric of our communities go with it.

I urge you to do what you can to help whatever newspaper it is that you come across. Buy a copy from the news stand, contribute news to your local newspaper, or tell a friend about an article that caught your attention. I assure you, there is a local journalist who appreciates you!