Virus pauses life as we know it, but the news never stops

Like many Americans around the country, your McClatchy team covering essential local news here and across America has seen our daily routines and rhythms derailed by the coronavirus outbreak. Daily life in our communities is slowing — in some cases to a virtual standstill — as we work to limit the dangerous spread of this viral outbreak.

We are navigating through an unfamiliar world of social distancing, volatile financial markets and shuttered schools, restaurants, businesses, houses of worship and other institutions we rely on for the stability that is so important to our sense of well-being.

But even now, we must consider how we can best serve our communities beyond this crisis.

And amid this uncertainty, one thing hasn’t — and will not — change: the need for accurate and reliable local news and information. And at McClatchy, our dedication to fulfilling this need remains as strong as it’s ever been in a company that is more than 160 years old.

Our newsrooms across the country have produced more than 2,500 coronavirus-related articles. They have identified and dispelled unfounded rumors that add to our anxiety. Our audience business is working to secure the safety and health of our staff at the same time we have expanded our digital platform so we can provide you with the news and information you need, nonstop, 24/7. Our advertising team is reaching out to small businesses and large businesses to provide solutions that can help these important employers, service providers and neighbors reach you so that you can get the services and products you need during this challenging time.

Our 30 newsrooms are uniquely equipped to go deep into the communities they cover with boots-onthe-ground journalists.

This is what we do. This is what we’ve always done. We are still applying the same rigorous standards of accuracy, timeliness and fairness. Now, these standards are more essential than ever.

For those who don’t subscribe to a McClatchy news product, we have lifted the digital paywall on all coronavirus stories. So, anyone with access to the internet can get the most up-to-date and essential information about how this health crisis is affecting our community.

This is an important part of our public service mission. In times of crisis, news can be as important as the most basic utility, and we will stand with vital community organizations and services to do our part.

We are painfully aware that we live in a world where the wrong fact or a sloppy insight can literally be a matter of life and death. Important decisions relating to your family’s health, finances and security depend on accurate information. And we will deliver that information to your doorstep, newsstand, social media platform, computer, tablet or smartphone. I assure you that at McClatchy we are doing — and will continue — to do our best. Please let us know what more we can do by contacting us online, via social media or by letting us know when you see news.

Life as we know it is slowing down for at least the next several weeks. But the news never stops. And neither will we.