Editor’s Note: The Okmulgee Times and Henryetta Free-Lance will host an Open House next Friday, Oct. 10, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The public is invited to stop by to see what we offer, look at old pictures and memorabilia, enjoy refreshments and learn about our Sasquatch Printing products.
– If you’re reading this, thank your local newspaper. It exists because your local community supports and values the importance of community news. We live in a world of rapid-fire information. Algorithms decide what pops up on your feed, and the news you’re served often isn’t news at all. People are feeling the weight of digital fatigue and it shows.
That’s where your local newspaper comes in. Community newspapers are the anchor. Behind each story is a local reporter who lives in the same community you do. They cover city meetings so you don’t have to sit through three-hour agendas. They look into changes in zoning laws, rising utility rates and school policies because these decisions affect your streets, your taxes and your children.
Strong communities don’t just happen. They rely on connection. Newspapers inform residents of the things that affect them locally, support new and lifelong family businesses and sort through the facts to help readers make educated decisions. Local newspapers provide that connection in ways no other source can. They’re also there to celebrate with you. From youth sports to ribbon cuttings, your newspaper highlights the heart of the community.
In communities with strong newspapers, citizens are better informed, more engaged and more connected. In communities without them, misinformation fills the void. Journalists bring you back to the facts, sift through the details of legislation and hold elected officials accountable. They’re the watchdogs, the storytellers, the historians. Journalists don’t just report the news; they are part of the community they cover.
Healthy communities are stronger when their local newspaper is strong. However, this role depends on support. Subscriptions, advertising and community engagement make it possible for newspapers to continue earning the trust that communities depend on. That’s why supporting the paper is one of the most direct ways that residents and businesses can invest in their own future and keep their community strong. So, how can you support that work?
• Subscribe. If you already do, thank you. If not, there’s never been a better time to start.
• Advertise. If you own a business, your ad supports trusted information and reaches an engaged local audience.
• Support local advertisers. Let them know you saw their ad in the paper – it matters.
• Celebrate and share good reporting. Share stories that impact your life.
• Teach your kids. Help them understand where real news comes from and why it’s worth valuing.
• Promote. After all, it is your paper. October 5-11 is Oklahoma Newspaper Week. It is time to take pride in the fact that your community has a source dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. So, this week, take a moment to appreciate the work that goes into every issue. Whether you read the paper in print with your morning coffee or scroll through the digital version on your phone, know that behind every story is a commitment to serve.
If you’re reading this, you’re doing your part. -Shauna Belyeu is the general manager of the Eufaula Indian Journal and the McIntosh County Democrat. She served as president of the Oklahoma Press Association from 2024-25.
