COLUSA, CA (MPG) – The Colusa County Board of Supervisors recognized the importance of local newspapers in keeping residents informed, documenting community history and holding public institutions accountable when it proclaimed Oct. 4-10 National Newspaper Week.
Supervisor Janice Bell read the proclamation during the board’s Oct. 6 meeting, highlighting the value of an independent press.
“Community newspapers are particularly important in rural areas, where local journalists provide residents with information about the people, institutions and decisions that directly affect their daily lives,” Bell said.
The proclamation marked the 86th annual observance of National Newspaper Week, which began in 1940. This year’s theme, “Rooted in Community, Committed to Truth,” emphasizes the responsibility of newspapers to provide accurate, independent reporting.
Bell also cited the First Amendment’s protection of a free press and the importance of journalism in promoting government transparency and public accountability. She recognized how coverage of agriculture, businesses, public safety, elections, sports, celebrations and everyday events preserves a community’s history.
The board’s proclamation also acknowledged the contributions of reporters, editors, photographers, publishers, production and advertising employees, newspaper carriers and others involved in the industry.
Lloyd Green Jr., Messenger Publishing Group North Zone editor for the Colusa County Pioneer Review, Gridley Herald and Territorial Dispatch, spoke about the work behind each edition.
“Local journalism is simply not about producing a newspaper,” Green said. “It’s about showing up and asking questions, checking facts and creating a record of what happened.”
Green thanked supervisors for acknowledging the importance of a strong, independent local press, and Board Chair Merced Corona expressed his appreciation following the presentation.