Over and over again I hear people saying they “want to get the word out” about this or that cause, situation, or event. Unfortunately, those people are talking among themselves, trying to figure out a solution, and the setting is often one where it would be rude or something of me to pipe up and give them an idea they seem to be overlooking. I just have to stay quiet and wonder why they don’t think of a pretty obvious answer: contact your local community newspaper. Now I know there is a variety of opinions surrounding newspaper publications, but there is one fact that remains solid and true, no matter which way you look at it:
There is no other central point of communication in the community than the hometown newspaper that is easily available to everyone, while also covering the huge spectrum of topics of concern to the variety of interests of people in the local area. The newspaper is run in its day-to-day operations by people you can see and talk to every day, and frankly the people who place advertisements and notices in the paper are actively sponsoring the continuation of the hub of community news as well as permanent record.
Another thing that people don’t realize, in their efforts to “get the word out,” is there is a huge portion of people, both locally and abroad, who do not use social media or are a hit-and-miss readership. Social media can be a good source for quick information to go out to a select group of people, but there aren’t many who will randomly come across the information who weren’t seeking information on the group in the first place. There are even algorithms on social media platforms that inhibit people from seeing a post. And can you guarantee everyone you want to share your news with is going to remember to look at your site (or remember what it is called) in a timely manner when you decide to post something? There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of individual, group, or organizations in Platte County alone, who have accounts and are expecting the public to magically “see” their announcements. Realistically, a small demographic looks at specific posting groups, and I don’t think anyone is looking every one of them, even on sites that are town-central. Also, who is verifying the accuracy of the information? The local newspaper is expected to have verified from official sources whether information is accurate or not (except the opinion page, which is just as the title states.)

Don’t get me wrong – I encourage people to utilize the resources they can that makes sense for their publicity goals, including social, but don’t forget the resource that is available throughout the county, and can be delivered right to your mailbox – or email. (Yes, we offer online subscriptions and archives as well.)
If your group is seeking to “get the word out” to the community about your event or news item, reach out to your local newspaper. While some things can be published editorially, other items would need to be paid advertising, but you can be assured you can inform the public by utilizing the valuable resource available locally.
By the way: thanks to the readers, advertisers, and individuals who submit information to your local community newspaper. You are all a huge part of what makes it a COMMUNITY newspaper. The more information we have sent to us, the better our publication will be.
Thanks, everyone.