Every week, we hear from readers with one simple question: “Where’s my newspaper?”
Sometimes the mail has been delayed. Other times, there is another explanation. Whatever the reason, one thing becomes immediately clear. Our newspaper matters.
When you sit in my seat, that is music to your ears. We all want to believe the work we do is important and makes a difference.
In an era when news is available around the clock on phones, tablets and social media, some might assume a weekly community newspaper has become less important. Our subscribers prove otherwise. Truthfully, I hear it almost every day, and I love it.
For many readers, receiving the newspaper is not just another delivery. It is part of a weekly routine.
I remember my parents starting their day with the newspaper. If it was not in the driveway, my mother might say, “My whole day is ruined.”
In her later years, she would call to tell me the newspaper had not arrived. She always ended the conversation the same way: “You’ve got to do something about it.” Then she would hang up.
My dad was not far behind. I tried to teach him how to read the newspaper online, but it never replaced the printed edition.
“It’s just not the same,” he would say.
A fresh newspaper on the table means it is time to catch up on City Hall, the Police Jury, school board meetings, sporting events and community activities. It is a chance to celebrate local students, recognize businesses, cheer on athletes and learn more about the people who make our community special.
And, as we get older, the obituaries become important, too.
Our readers are not subscribing for national headlines. They want to know what is happening here, in their neighborhoods, churches, schools and local government. They want to see familiar faces, read about friends and family, and stay connected to the community they love.
When a newspaper does not arrive, people notice. We are thankful for that.
I do not like it when a subscriber misses an edition. I feel like we have failed, even when the problem is beyond our control. But I appreciate the phone calls because they give us an opportunity to make things right and personally connect with our readers.
For years, I have delivered missed newspapers myself.
I remember working late one evening when a subscriber began calling the office around 8 p.m. Because it was so late, I did not answer the first few calls. But the phone kept ringing, so I finally picked up.
The lady was frantic because she had not received her newspaper.
On my way home, I delivered it myself. When she saw my car pull into the driveway, she ran outside and practically snatched the newspaper from my hand.
Wow.
Talk about making you feel like your work is important.
We hear from longtime subscribers who have read the paper for decades. Others stop by the office because they do not want to miss a single issue. Lately, I have even heard from younger people who are returning to the printed product.
Their concern reminds us that what we publish has value beyond ink on paper.
Local journalism serves as the historical record of a community. Years from now, today’s editions will tell future generations about the accomplishments, challenges, celebrations and milestones that shaped our corner of Louisiana. Newspapers become keepsakes saved in scrapbooks, graduation albums and family files.
They also help strengthen communities by informing citizens about decisions that affect their daily lives. From tax proposals and road projects to school achievements and economic development, local reporting keeps residents informed and engaged.
We know our readers have choices. We appreciate every person who supports local journalism through a subscription. That support allows us to cover late-night meetings, attend community events, photograph celebrations and tell stories that might otherwise go untold.
If your newspaper is ever delayed or does not arrive, please let us know. We will always do our best to make it right because we understand that you are not simply waiting for a newspaper.
You are waiting for your connection to the community.
To our loyal subscribers, thank you.
Thank you for inviting us into your homes each week. Thank you for trusting us to tell our community’s stories. Thank you for supporting local journalism.
You are the reason we are here.
As long as there are stories worth telling, we will continue working to bring them to you each week.
Randy Brown is Regional Publisher and Executive VP of Specht Newspapers, Inc.