In an age where we have so much division in our national democracy and society-at-large and with the rise of mis- and disinformation, local newspapers are more important than ever … and are disappearing at a faster rate than ever before.
Ironically, places that need local journalism the most are the places where small papers —both print and digital — can be the most difficult to operate and retain.
As a Manitou Springs city planner for 35 years, I saw first-hand how important the community cornerstones such as the post office, local bank, churches, community organizations and the newspaper are to retaining our strong sense of place.
Having a publication that serves Manitou Springs, the Westside and Lower Ute Pass allows for reporting to focus on issues important to this very different part of the greater urban area. Individuals can be heard.
The local paper lets us read not just about the challenges, but about the good things that happen here — the things that larger publications don’t have the time or inclination to feature. We get a respite from what seems like an avalanche of bad news and dysfunction. We get to focus on the issues and events that impact us most because they’re happening in our backyard.
Everyone involved with the reboot of the Pikes Peak Bulletin after the unsatisfactory combination with several local other publications feels passionately about sustaining our local, community news.
Based on the feedback we receive, so are many of you. The Bulletin has embarked on a journey that many other, local newspapers are having to venture into — operation as a nonprofit news outlet.
It is daunting, but luckily, we are learning from the experiences of other organizations all over the country and take some comfort in knowing this is not a situation unique to the Pikes Peak area or even Colorado. We are amazed at the resources being developed to assist in the preservation of local journalism and excited about taking this ride with so many other nonprofit newspapers.
The Pikes Peak Bulletin has been very fortunate to be chosen as a participating nonprofit in the Give! campaign, which is one resource that assists us in learning how to raise funds and become more sustainable. The Give! designation is one great example of local support.
Individuals can be heard.
Another way for all of us to support the Bulletin and keep it operating for many years to come is to buy a subscription. Since you can pick up a copy of the weekly publication for free at many locations, the act of subscribing is about belief in the importance of keeping it local, rather than paying for access. A subscription says, “we want you around.” It says, “what you do is important to the community.”
So, please consider doing what I and a growing number of others in this area (and out of the area who love the community) are doing: start or renew your subscription. Those funds provide a strong, sustainable base of operations for the Bulletin and will help us grow and serve this area into the future!
