Newspapers are essential to democracy
Re Opposition slams Joly over print industry’s woes, Nov. 29 Those of us who feel selective news feeds, rather that conventional journalism, imperil democracy want to see something done to reverse the trend. We need educated, informed people to spread the word about the likely impact of decisions made in the voting booth. While requiring a course in civics to get a licence to vote might be the best way to guarantee thoughtful ballot casting, it is a concept most people are not ready to go forward with.
So, if the fourth estate is an essential part of our democracy, why not give it the same support we give political parties and politicians? How about the same tax break for newspaper subscriptions as we give for political donations? It may not solve the problem, but it must surely help, both through the financial support and the public relations value of the gesture. Tom McElroy, Toronto
I was shocked by the sudden announcement that the Barrie Examiner and other local newspapers are gone. How will Barrie residents find out what is happening in our neighbourhoods? Who will hold our city council’s feet to the fire? Most citizens are only aware of issues affecting them directly, unlike reporters whose job it was to be familiar with the issues.
How will the opinions of thoughtful local people be collected? These newspapers published opinions by professional columnists who represented varied views. The letters to the editor page allowed community members to air their thoughts.
Our theatre groups and concert associations depended on the local newspaper to advertise their events and to criticize performances.
Probably most important is the fact local newspapers have always recorded the present for future historians. With newspapers gone, the history of half the province’s population will be history! Peter Bursztyn, Barrie, Ont.