Months after ending its 100-year run, Missy Nester still finds it difficult to enter the office of The Welch News, the newspaper she learned to read from her mother while growing up in West Virginia’s southern coalfields. The newspaper’s owner and publisher, Nester is confronted with unpaid bills and her own uncashed paychecks, a poignant reminder of the paper’s demise. The once-bustling office now sits in silence, with typewriters, awards, and relics from the past serving as quiet reminders of what was once a beloved institution. The closure of The Welch News has left Nester heartbroken, as she fought tooth and nail to protect the last remaining news outlet in her community, recognizing the essential role it played in providing vital information to those who needed it most.
In March, The Welch News became yet another casualty in the long list of U.S. newspapers that have shut down since 2005, a crisis that has had a disproportionate impact on rural America. The closure has left McDowell County residents scrambling for information, with no way to access vital news about public meetings, community events, or local crises. Without a newspaper, disinformation goes unchecked, a dangerous situation for an already vulnerable community.
World War II veteran Howard Wade, sitting in his ranch house surrounded by lush green hills, reminisces about the newspaper he read faithfully throughout his life. At 97 years old, Wade understands the value of local journalism and the deep connection it fostered within his community. He worries about the county’s history and the loss of information that the newspaper chronicled.
The decline of American newspapers has been well-documented, with older, low-income individuals being the most affected. McDowell County residents, who relied on the newspaper for information, were taken aback by the void left by its closure. Sarah Hall, the first Black prosecutor elected in McDowell County, acknowledges the tragic loss of any community newspaper, but emphasizes the detrimental impact it has on communities like hers. McDowell County’s unique situation, with its lack of communication infrastructure such as reliable cell and internet service, leaves its residents even more isolated.
For Nester and her small team, the closure of The Welch News has been an incredibly difficult experience. The newspaper was more than just a business, it represented hope and democracy in a forgotten community. McDowell County, once known for its coal production and diversity, has faced years of decline, losing jobs, services, and people. The newspaper, with its colorful spreads and detailed reporting, was a lifeline for the community, providing vital information and giving residents a platform to share their stories.
Now, without a local news source, McDowell County residents have to rely on national outlets that often focus on the county’s poverty, opioid crisis, and declining coal industry. However, these national narratives often fail to capture the true essence of the community and its struggles. The closure of The Welch News has left residents feeling misrepresented and misunderstood, further exacerbating the division between rural America and the rest of the country.
The closure of The Welch News is not just a loss for McDowell County; it has far-reaching implications. Without a local newspaper, decisions made by county officials go unchecked, and essential information about community programs and events doesn’t reach those who need it most. The loss of a community newspaper is felt deeply, not only in the lack of information but also in the loss of a sense of community and connection that it fostered.
The Welch News will forever be remembered as a symbol of resilience and hope in a community that desperately needed it. Its closure is a stark reminder of the ongoing crisis in the American newspaper industry and the significant impact it has on rural communities like McDowell County. As the country grapples with the loss of local news, it must confront the broader issues of inequality and isolation faced by those who are left behind.
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