LOCAL NEWSPAPERS CONTINUE to decline at a rapid rate, from an average of two per week in 2022 to 2½ per week just a year later, according to The Associated Press. The result is a loss of truly local information, from news to sports, that reflects individual communities across the country.
We have a unique opportunity on the North Olympic Peninsula, where our two-county coverage focuses on city councils, county commissioners, port districts, school districts and more in an effort to keep readers informed on what happens in board rooms and what ultimately may affect their wallets.
We were thrilled take part in the pivotal First Fed Community Conversation on the importance of local journalism on April 22 at Field Arts & Events Hall in Port Angeles. The event honored the legacy of John Brewer, a dedicated newsman who led the Peninsula Daily News from 1998 to 2015 and left a lasting impact on the Olympic Peninsula.
The one-hour panel discussion, moderated by journalist and educator George Erb, featured prominent voices in the industry: Brier Dudley (Free Press Initiative), Eran Kennedy (Peninsula Daily News), Brown Maloney (Radio Pacific), Emma Maple (Peninsula Daily News) and Rich Riski (Peninsula College). Each panelist brought unique insights into the challenges and triumphs of local journalism.
The panel explored Brewer’s legacy, the financial pressures faced by local news outlets and the changing media landscape. They discussed the implications of community information gaps, transparency and public trust, highlighting the crucial role of local journalism in fostering informed communities and promoting civic engagement.
The event also served as a call to action for the community to support local journalism. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, the panelists succeeded in highlighting the value of local news and inspiring collective action to preserve it. The event was recorded and available to watch at https://www.youtube.com/live/tvzEMi3vdTc.
We’re launching the Olympic Peninsula Journalism Fund to help preserve and add to our community coverage. As we move to establish this fund, Field Arts & Events Hall, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has stepped in to accept donations.
Donors who would like to support community journalism can do so by writing a check to Field Arts & Events Hall with “Olympic Peninsula Journalism Fund” in the memo line. Donations can also be made online at https://tinyurl.com/2kz7hdpj or in person at the Estill & Reba Cornett Box Office at Field Hall, 201 W. Front St., Port Angeles. Be sure to include “Olympic Peninsula Journalism Fund” in donation or designation notes so your gift is allocated correctly.
Our goal is to raise $1 million to create an endowment for a continuous impact in our newsroom, a community journalist that will be named for the late John Brewer, who had an enormous impact in the community, from civic clubs and community service to general leadership and consultation.
Our John Brewer community reporter will cover community meetings and events, including the latest projects hosted by the Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis or Soroptimist clubs, to features on the people who make our Peninsula a great place to live.
Our industry is different than it was 20 years ago, and it’s retracted even more since the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve seen news organizations consolidate newsroom positions, send fewer reporters into the field to cover major news events — including the state Legislature when it’s in session — and, therefore, fewer voices are reporting those impacts to people back home.
Your contributions will help preserve the integrity and independence of local journalism, ensuring that it continues to serve and inform the community.
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The Peninsula Daily News editorial board consists of Publisher Eran Kennedy and Editor Brian McLean.
