“Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. And when he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” — Clarence the Angel, to George Bailey
I have not yet watched one of my favorite movies, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” this holiday season. This weekend when I watch it, it will bring feelings different from past years.
When I learned of the announcement from Fran Zankowski, publisher of the CS Indy and the CS Business Journal, my heart sank. And for some reason, that movie ran through my mind.
Learning that yet another pillar of democracy and local journalism is on the verge of possibly disappearing strikes very close to home for me. The Indy has been here for 30 years covering so many important stories and issues over the decades.
It’s the first newspaper I read when I arrived here 20 years ago. I still read it every week.
A friend who worked at the Indy for years said this: “I’ve been an Indy reader since 2004 because they were bold, brave and unabashed in their pursuit of the truth. It was a place that encouraged hard work and collaboration.
“I’m thankful for their service to the community and I know I’m not alone in mourning this loss.”
I agree.
Other friends recently “went dark” to the news, stating that the wars, tragedies, politics were all too much for them. I do not agree: The very principles of our country are based on the news, in all its forms.
The newspaper business is difficult these days, to say the least, but local journalism presses on. Reading Fran’s words and knowing so many friends who have been and still are a vital part of these publications leaves me sad, yet still encouraged about the possibilities to grow our media ecosystem.
Print is not dead; news should never be dead. To engage in a vibrant democracy, we need these publications in our community.
Print is not dead
I understand the challenges Fran refers to, and then I see George Bailey in my head and hear him say “I want to live again!” I really want the Indy and CSBJ to live again.
I look forward to February and hope for good news. Yes, the dream lives on and my brain again rolls into that movie, with Zuzu and George Bailey. Zuzu says, “Look, Daddy. Teacher says, every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings,” and George says, “That’s right, that’s right. Attaboy, Clarence!”
I am optimistic that a “Clarence” will emerge and earn those angel wings by helping to bring back a stable publication. The Indy board and leadership are working with laid-off staff to help them through unemployment and benefits challenges.
It’s not the most wonderful life right now.
January will bring more discussions with interested parties and community leaders to share ideas. I hope to have a seat at the table.