This past Tuesday, July 26, Stuart Richner, chief Executive officer, president and publisher of Long island based Richner Communications, Inc., reported to Rotarians on the influence of local news on our democracy along with insight into the importance of local media – which you might say, with its local draw, contains “All the News that’s Fit to Print!”

Local press has its own “localness,” Mr. Richner said.  News is not fake since it reflects news of governments, businesses and activities that occur within the community and have the ability to be most trusted.  True community newspapers stick to these local events – avoiding national politics and events of outside areas. 

But – with technology, i.e., social media TV/radio and other news outlets, the question is, are community newspapers likely to stick around?  

Acording to Mr. Richner, they will have a better survival rate over the life of the national press which (along with social media), lacks objectivity and the ability to report authentic local news. This year alone, Mr. Richner reported that a number of national newspapers had collapsed.

 Yet, while local business models need to be developed to ensure future sustainability of our community newspapers.  Publisher Richner reported that local politicians have signed on to two bills currently in process in efforts to sustain local press.  They are the “Newspaper Preservation Act” and “Local Journalism Sustainability Act.“

Fielding many questions from attending Rotarians, Stuart Richner received a rousing applause followed by comments that his presentation was one of Rotary’s best!

Rotarians in the News

Every now and then, we like to make mention of our Club’s Rotarians who in addition to living up to our theme, “Service Above Self.”  also serve in additional areas outside of our Club.  Two such individuals are Past President Jim Brady and newly inducted Club Secretary, Tina O’Keefe.

This past June 11, the Church of St. Joseph-Bishop Baldwin Council Number 15809 Knights of Columbus, honored Jim as a patriot brother who served our country as a member of the military.  Jim is parish Head Usher, a Knight and Vietnam veteran.  Congratulations Jim on this high honor!

Newly installed Mineola-Garden City Rotary Secretary Tina O’Keefe, founder of Stow and Behold professional organizing services, will be teaching at the “Over 50 Fair” to be held at the Melville Marriott on September 18.  Tina will lead a class on “Organizing Your Entire Home Room by Room.”  Congratulations Tina, and welcome as our Club’s new secretary!