News and the local community-00-74

Members of the community can read about local issues regarding health, crime, education, local government, business, the environment, sport and entertainment. Readers can also learn about the local impact of national issues.

Traditionally local newspapers act as a hub for their readers, bringing people together and fostering a sense of community among them.
Equally regional press plays an important role in instigating campaigns and fighting for change. Often local newspapers back charities close to the heart of the community and make links between diverse sectors of the population in doing so.

Examples of campaigns brought about by local newspapers include bids to save local post offices or to ensure improvements are made to dangerous stretches of road. These initiatives directly affect the community which the local newspaper serves.

Controversial issues are often brought to light by members of the public themselves via the medium of a local newspaper. Regional press acts as a forum for debate for the community who can contact reporters with information of relevance and importance to the local people. Readers can also express themselves directly via the letters' page for example.

Regional newspapers generally maintain good working relationships with public bodies such as the police and fire service. Appeals for witnesses, missing people and crime suspects, for example, are vital to the police force in its fight against crime and are delivered to the public frequently by local press. The information allows local newspapers to ensure the community is up to date with recent incidents in the area, enabling them to perhaps take extra care.

Local press also plays a significant role in maintaining democracy within a community's local authorities. Reporters for regional newspapers ensure the local government is held accountable for its actions. Regional press also aids in the delivery of justice within the courts by ensuring they are open to scrutiny by the public.

It is traditional that local newspapers do not hold a political bias, unlike most national newspapers. This is a tradition which demands local journalists report in an impartial and balanced manner, without favouring any particular political stance.

Sport reports by regional newspapers are a popular way by which interested members of the community can keep up to date with the progress of their favourite team. Local sports journalists also cover matches and competitions undertaken by younger members of society, which is of particular interest to families of those involved.

Members of the public often rely on local newspapers for information about property, cars and other goods which are for sale or for rent in the area, job vacancies and critical reviews of restaurants, cafes and bars as well as films, plays and musical events taking place.

With the arrival technological advances such as the web to regional press, local newspapers can now reach their audience quickly and effectively when traffic problems, weather warnings and other major incidents take place.

The arrival of webcasts, providing online news bulletins, also gives the community a quick and accessible way of getting the latest local news updates.

For breaking news, sport, video and blogs, stay with Hertfordshire Mercury Online.The number one website for Hertfordshire news.