Members of the Sullivan County Democrat traveled to Saratoga Springs this past weekend for the annual New York Press Association Spring Convention (See page 1A).

It was the first time the convention has been held in-person since the pandemic began more than two years ago. It was a chance to see old friends and familiar faces who work in the newspaper industry across New York State.

It was also a time to be reminded of the critical role that local newspapers play in communities all over the Empire State and, indeed, the country.

From Buffalo to Glens Falls and from Plattsburg to Montauk, dedicated individuals work hard at community newspapers to deliver the kind of local coverage that matters in their hometowns.

The keynote speaker on Friday was Ken Paulson, former USA Today editor and now the director of the Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee State University. Paulson talked about how newspapers were often at the center of the major events leading up to the birth of the United States of America. Indeed, throughout our country’s history Paulson said newspapers have made it their business to hold the powerful accountable. Newspapers haven’t always made a lot of money, but they’ve always made a difference. Whether advocating for the equality for women or for the end of slavery, brave individuals incurred significant risk to themselves and their livelihood by taking a stand against injustices and, in the process, move the country forward.

We are very fortunate to live in a county where freedom of the press is enshrined in our constitution. Those who drafted our founding documents thought that guarantee was so important that it’s included in the very first amendment to the Bill of Rights. We can look around the world today and see other countries where the right to speak, write and pray as we see fit are not guaranteed.

We live in historic and uncertain times. In today’s hyper-partisan world there is a crisis of trust in our media sources. It is difficult to turn on the TV and be sure that you’re getting journalism and not punditry. It’s a tough industry that  is constantly evolving and reacting to an ever-changing and more digital world, but local newspapers have a more important role than ever to play in serving their communities.