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Access to reliable local news sources is vital for communities everywhere, including Winchester. Grace Siciliano, a Winchester High School junior, has devoted her Girl Scout Gold Award project to raising awareness about Winchester’s news sources, including the Winchester News, and fostering community conversations about the importance of trustworthy local news and the future of journalism.
Part of Grace’s project is Local News Day, an event occurring at the Winchester Public Library, 80 Washington St., on Nov. 21 at 12 p.m.
Local News Day will be an opportunity to learn about some organizations in town which provide reliable information about local happenings. The event, which includes a panel discussion with journalists and high school students, is meant to encourage community engagement in town, whether it has to do with local elections, social gatherings, or other relevant happenings that affect people in town.
Why Local News?
In many places, small newspapers are being forced to shut down, creating “news deserts” or large areas without any community-based informational organizations. Social media has divided people on numerous large issues and in online discourse, community news and issues are forgotten or ignored. This loss results in towns less educated in local politics and community events and contributes to growing divides between generations.
However, there are many people who are actively working to combat this decline. Local journalism non-profits are cropping up all over the country. Organizations such as the Winchester News bridge divides by spreading awareness about neighborhood events, giving more people more chances to form connections with others in their community.
How can community members get involved?
Everyone can help keep local journalism alive, simply by staying engaged with their local news sources. Another important aspect of maintaining quality local news is getting young people involved. Winchester High School’s newspaper, The Red & Black, publishes articles which reflect the talents and opinions of high school students. It is a great resource for anyone in town to keep in touch with how the younger generations view current events and pop culture.
Some of the students responsible for The Red & Black will be present at Local News Day, along with local news experts and staff from the Winchester News. It will be a great opportunity to meet and hear from the people who are keeping local news alive in Winchester.
