By Kelli Barnes, Publisher PCPC
I am confident anyone reading this page in your community paper understands the difference between an editorial page and a news page, or a feature page. If you are encouraging the next generation to be community news followers, please make sure they also know the difference. Editorial is opinion, complete opinion.
Recently, I was reminded that not only do community news followers want to read about community happenings, but they also care about things outside our county boundaries. This could be vacation destinations, the Olympics, the latest TV series, a famous podcast, and yes, politics.
Since our news organization decided to bring two political opposing views to our readers weekly, several years ago, I have received equal amounts of praise and complaints for both columnists featured on this page. These comments usually come from readers who lean closer to CNN coverage vs. our readers who lean closer to FOX coverage. We all get it … a country divided.
As you can imagine, we also have a company divided. Our owner, publisher, editors, employees, contributors, and customers fall on the scale between ultra-liberal to ultra-conservative, and “I couldn’t care less – just leave me alone.” We employ all kinds.
It makes me sad, and sometimes mad, as publisher, to hear through the grapevine that individuals want to cancel us for allowing “extreme” views on the editorial (opinion) page of our paper each week. The very first newspaper in history was written for the express purpose to provide an opposing view.
I am requesting each of you to weigh in with your opinion about canceling the editorial page. Please keep in mind, it is all or none. To be fair, we cannot present one viewpoint and not allow an opposing viewpoint. Email kelli@polkcountypublishing.com with your choice and any comments you have about the subject.
Also, we encourage you to write letters to the editor, which will also appear on this page, about your ideas, thoughts/feelings on any subject, especially if you are a respected member of this community. Your voice and opinion would be of value, carry weight, and bring some much-needed healthy debate among friends, co-workers, family, and community members.
Remember, this is just my opinion, but we should quit canceling each other. I am pretty sure if we had a cup of coffee together, we would get along and maybe try to understand why our views differ.
