Small town newspapers provide big benefits

Iowa County is fortunate to have small town newspapers such as the Hometown Current, the Pioneer Republican and the Journal Tribune.

According to research from Northwestern University, more than half of all US counties have limited access to reliable local news and information. Iowa County has not landed in that news desert.

Key points about the importance of small town newspapers

Community building — By covering local happenings, community initiatives, and school events, newspapers create a shared understanding and connection among residents. This combats the partisan silos that people often fall into.

An April 2024 article that appeared in the Hometown Current described a train wreck that involved one dead engineer, 53 passengers, and a German visitor. The train wreck occurred in 1905 and the article includes numerous interesting details that everyone enjoyed talking about.

Holding local power accountable — By covering city council meetings, school board developments and other civic matters, they serve as watchdogs for local government.

Platform for local business — Advertising in a local paper reaches the right audience; local people are likely to become loyal customers. Business spotlights and interviews with local entrepreneurs give small businesses visibility. Advertising in the Hometown Marketplace is also helpful.

Trustworthy source — Professional journalists abide by a code of ethics. Unlike social media, which can be rife with misinformation, truth, accuracy and objectivity are cornerstones of journalism ethics.

How can we keep small town newspapers viable in Iowa County? It’s simple: subscribe, place ads and talk to your neighbors about interesting articles you have read.