Shooting the Breeze - Oct. 15

Have you heard that newspapers are dying? Or the written word in general? I’ve been hearing this for more years than I care to count, but both statements have not only been proven untrue, but ridiculous.

Newspapers printed on newsprint and books printed on paper are dying off slowly. This is true and it’s something we are all going to have to come to terms with eventually. Do I think it’s coming in the next five years…10? No, but I do believe it’s coming.

That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t embrace what’s coming next. I do not own an e-reader, but I have read books on my phone. I, like many people, get most of my information via my phone. I no longer watch the TV for news because I don’t have to, but I still visit my local news station’s Facebook page to find out what’s going on in my neck of the woods.

I still listen to the local radio station and I love hearing the football games when they’re broadcast. I still read my hometown newspaper and yes, I check the obits and jail log first.

Think back to the last major national disaster. How did you find out about it? Chances are, it was through Facebook. Now think back to Sept. 11, 2001. I bet you watched it on TV.

Now consider local news. The local newspaper, whether it’s in print or online, is still your best source for local news. This has never been more accurate. As larger news organizations – whether TV or print – are dying off, the smaller markets have been thriving. The reason why is simple – no one is going to cover events in a small town unless they are invested in that small town.

And while we may be getting the gist of the story via Facebook, most of us look to local news outlets for, “the rest of the story,” as legendary radio broadcaster Paul Harvey would put it.

The hometown source for news in Camp County is The Pittsburg Gazette. Here at the Gazette, we live and/or work here. We support PISD because we want to, not because we have to. We attend government and civic organization meetings to find out what’s of interest to our family – and to yours. We have friends and family here. We ARE Pittsburg. And we know you are, too. Find us online at www.campcountynow.com, via Facebook by searching for The Pittsburg Gazette or on Twitter at @NewsPittsburg.

Don’t be surprised to find us soon on Instagram, SnapChat, Pinterest, Tumblr or whatever site crops up next that our readers are interested in – wherever you want to get your news – we want to be there. If there’s somewhere you’d like to see content, please let us know by email at news@campcountynow.com or by calling at (903) 856-6629. We want to be your one source for all things Camp County. Above all, just remember that we work for YOU.