Columnist|AddFollowAugust 11, 2023 at 6:00 a.m. EDTEditions of the Rappahannock News neatly stacked at the newspaper’s office in Washington, Va. (Photo: Michelle Frankfurter for The Washington Post)
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In a world where the national discourse is dominated by hooligans spreading disinformation and paranoia, the Rappahannock News stands as a beacon of calm in the Virginia countryside. As a newcomer to the area, I’ve been fascinated and enthralled by the stories and community focus of this local weekly. From wedding anniversaries to restaurant openings, the Rappahannock News keeps its readers informed and connected in a way that few other publications can match.
Jan Clatterbuck, the county native and columnist for the Rappahannock News, has become one of my favorite writers. With her southern twang, owlish glasses, and Dickensian surname, she captures the essence of the community in her weekly columns, which range from local events and achievements to personal anecdotes. But it’s not just the columnists that make this newspaper special. The headlines themselves are filled with practical information and updates that are truly relevant to the residents of Rappahannock County, from park overhauls to new restaurant openings.
In a county with just 3,800 households, the fact that the Rappahannock News has over 2,100 paying subscribers is a testament to the importance of local news and community connections. People in this county rely on the paper to stay informed about important issues such as broadband access, school taxes, economic development, and transportation. It’s not just a newspaper, but a vital part of the community fabric.
Sadly, community newspapers like the Rappahannock News have been disappearing across the country due to declining subscriptions and advertising revenue. According to Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, the United States has lost a quarter of its local newspapers since 2005, and the closures continue at a rate of two per week. As a result, many communities are left without a reliable source of local news, leading to decreased civic participation and an increase in corruption and mismanagement.
However, there is hope. Nonprofit organizations like Foothills Forum have stepped up to support local journalism and rescue community newspapers. The Rappahannock News is one such success story, with the paper’s owner, Dennis Brack, and the nonprofit providing funding and resources to keep the paper running. It’s a testament to the resilience and determination of the community to preserve their local news source.
In a time when social media and the pandemic have left us feeling isolated, rebuilding our sense of community is more important than ever. Local news plays a crucial role in fostering civic engagement and connection, and efforts are being made to ensure its survival. Nonprofits and legislation, like the Community News and Small Business Support Act, are providing much-needed support and incentives for local media.
The Rappahannock News shows us what is possible when a community comes together to support its local newspaper. With a small but dedicated team of journalists and contributors, they deliver hyperlocal stories that capture the essence of rural life. From tales of local rescue squads to disputes over zoning permits, the Rappahannock News keeps its readers informed and entertained with stories that transcend political divides.
As I hold my copy of the Rappahannock News, I feel a sense of connection to this community and a renewed belief in the power of local news. It’s a reminder that even in the face of challenges, there is hope for the future of community journalism. Let us not allow our local newspapers to become ghost publications, but instead, let us support and embrace them as the glue that holds our communities together.
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