Jean Matua “From the Heart”
Those of us in small community newspapers find ourselves doing a lot of cheer-leading. We’re great at highlighting the local 4-H Club and Scouting projects, local fundraising events, the week-to-week things that make up the character of our communities. When we do this (and do it when and how our readers expect us to), our audience is generally happy with us.
But playing steadily in the background is our foremost calling: to shine light into darkened corners. Not everyone likes that light (I can’t help but envision rats and cockroaches). Sometimes, the creatures of night scurry away. Sometimes, they try to put out that light and, sadly, occasionally they succeed.
Dozens of journalists have been killed around the world in recent years. This may be understandable for those brave souls who volunteer to go to battle zones, to shine that light of freedom in a dark place, and to show us what is happening there. Casualties happen. In some parts of the world, journalists who actively seek truth in dark countries are imprisoned, beaten, even assassinated. And those who remain, shine on.
I have personally had a few different careers so far in my life, but being a newspaper publisher/editor and, yes, journalist is what I’ve done longer than anything else except being a student. (Truth be told, I am a perpetual student, always seeking to learn, so nothing will surpass that one.) Doing what I do, week-in and week-out, where I choose to do it, is something I love. I enjoy the variety; there’s always something new. I love the people, even the crotchety one now and again who tries to spoil my day.
But this is far more than a job; it’s a calling. I’m good at what I do – and can say that confidently now after 19 years, partly because of peer-judged awards that line my wall. But deep down, I know I’m good at what I do because it comes from the heart. I’m good at understanding information and crafting a story from it. It’s a gift that I’ve worked hard to refine. But there are many great, bold journalists who tread daily where I would fear to go.
Our job is to ask questions, to challenge authority, to boldly shine that light for all to see. In all situations, challenges keep us on track (think of any business, office, university), and challenges push us to do even better.
We’re certainly not trying to cause problems, we’re exposing problems and seeking solutions.
So when I see those in authority call any of us “enemy of the people,” I am hurt and I am angry. A) It’s our job. B) It’s how our forefathers set up our system of representative democracy.
C) It’s exactly what sets us apart from totalitarian dictatorships.
So please, especially at this hostile time, support good journalism – anywhere and everywhere. Subscribe – that’s the best indicator of support. Read websites. Follow Facebook pages (and interact). Tell us how we’re doing.