Letter: Important to keep local journalism alive in Redmond

Published 3:30 am Thursday, June 27, 2024

This is serious. We, as the city and community of Redmond, are in danger of losing one of our most important service: The Spokesman newspaper.

Over the last few years, I have seen it build from a practically0nothing source of information to one of thorough and vital news. Now we have a local source allowing us to get publicity and information out into our community in a much-needed way. It comes to us in the best tradition of good journalism.

This informs and spreads the word about what is happening and coming about to the Redmond area. Such a source informs and enriches all of us.

But let’s take a step back and appreciate the history and the role newspapers have played in Redmond. Established in the early 1900s, The Spokesman has been more than just a newspaper. It has been a community institution. For over a century, it has chronicled the lives of our residents, reported on local government, highlighted community events, and served as a watchdog to ensure transparency and accountability. It has captured the spirit and essence of Redmond, preserving our stories for future generations.

Consider the countless community events, school board decisions, local business openings, and personal milestones that have graced its pages. The Spokesman has been there, providing a platform for our voices and ensuring that no event goes unnoticed. It has given local businesses a means to reach their audience and has provided a reliable source of news that is tailored specifically to our community’s needs.

Please help this vital service to stay and thrive here for all of us. Subscribe now. Please!

In an era where digital sources dominate, it’s easy to overlook the unique value that a local newspaper brings. Digital sources do not and cannot provide the same service. The Spokesman’s reporters live here. They understand our community because they are part of it. They don’t just report the news, they feel the pulse of Redmond. They see the nuances and subtleties that outside sources miss.

Moreover, The Spokesman has provided a tangible link to our past, present, and future. Each issue is a snapshot of our community at a moment in time. It’s a record of our collective journey, our struggles, our triumphs, and our everyday lives. Without The Spokesman, we lose a crucial part of our identity and a key tool for community engagement. Remember: You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.

Imagine a future without The Spokesman. Who will report on the achievements of our local schools? Who will hold local officials accountable? Who will tell the stories of our community? The absence of The Spokesman would leave a void that cannot be filled by distant, impersonal digital media.

We cannot let that happen. The Spokesman is more than a newspaper. It’s our voice. It’s the thread that weaves us together. By subscribing, you’re not just supporting a newspaper, you’re investing in the future of Redmond. You’re ensuring that our stories continue to be told, that our community remains informed, and that our local heritage is preserved.

Let’s ensure it remains a vibrant part of Redmond’s future. Subscribe today and be a part of something bigger than ourselves. Let’s keep our community connected, informed, and strong. Together, we can make a difference. Let’s save The Spokesman.

Tom McEnneany

Redmond

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