Newspapers ‘heart and soul’ of communities

As Carol Pardun officially assumes the AEJMC’s helm, succeeding Barbara Hines, we asked her about an interesting comment she made in a recent interview: “We are at a crossroads now in the academy, in our economy, and in our media organizations. It’s not a time to be timid, but a time to value what’s important, leave behind what is unnecessary, and hold our heads high, assured that we are engaged in an essential profession.”

So, when it comes to newspapers, we asked her, what’s important, what’s unnecessary, and what should newspaper journalists particularly feel able to hold their heads high about?

She replied within minutes via email, and here’s part of her answer:

“Newspapers can continue to be the heart and soul of our communities. Obviously, papers are changing, but it’s important for “information junkies” to remember that, no matter where they get their news, chances are, the source of the information they are reading on the web, in a blog, or on Twitter first started as a newspaper story.  Every morning, when I walk out my front step, pick up my newspaper, and grab my cup of coffee, I’m thankful there are men and women who are still committed to bringing me the news.”