New Newspaper: Pulse of the Community

Throughout the last decade, general trust in prominent media outlets has declined significantly, and only 35% of Americans believe that those reporting the news care about the people or circumstances on which they report. As the divide between the media, and citizen trust widens, the quality work of community- focused news organizations tends to be overlooked.
In fact, very few entities contribute more to the growing culture, knowledge, and safety of the public than the local newspaper. These reporters, editors, and writers spend countless hours researching and investigating local issues with direct impacts. Inside each issue is a beautiful microcosm of the culture of any town — large or small.
Your local newspaper also keeps the citizenry informed on the critical happenings of local government. Many of the columns we author about essential policies in the Texas Legislature would not be possible without the distribution of local newspapers all across the district. This information would not be printed in a statewide publication, and without these community organizations, local leaders would be unable to keep the majority of their constituents up to date.
Unfortunately, these important institutions are at risk of extinction nationwide. According to a 2022 report by the Local News Initiative, over one-third of local newspapers have ceased operations since 2005. Over 2,500 U.S. newspapers have been lost in the past 17 years, with another third expected to be gone by 2025. More than 20% of Americans now live in a “news desert,” meaning they have little to no local online or print coverage. Decreased advertising revenue, coupled with the disproportionately increased operating costs of a news organization, have left small publishers in an untenable position. The decline in local printed news has been attributed to the rise of online journalism; however, as print organizations shutter their doors, digital replacements are few and far between. The total number of digital online websites is only barely keeping pace with the decline of print. In areas that struggle with connecting to highspeed internet, access to online information is an even more significant challenge.
Fortunately, with the inaugural edition of the Palo Pinto Press, every county in House District 60, both new and old, is now covered by at least one local print outlet. The editors and reporters that make up our local newspapers are talented, dedicated, and love the communities they represent. Whether we agree or disagree with the methods of the legacy outlets that cover hot-button issues, our local newspapers keep us the most informed about the happenings in our towns.
A community-committed and independent newspaper contributes to greater civic literacy and culture, and we are fortunate to have outstanding local print media throughout this North Central Texas region. As our country heads into a recession, it is vital that our local institutions remain supported and operational. Please make a habit of placing ads, subscribing, and contributing information to your local newspaper.
Great local news outlets showcase the unique culture and happenings of each local community.
Welcome Palo Pinto Press!