By Page H. Gifford
Correspondent
The decline of local news has resulted in “news deserts,” areas with limited or no access to reliable local news sources. Millions of Americans now rely on social media or other online platforms for regional information, which may be less reliable or even misleading. Unfortunately, this has contributed to a lack of factual information, which fails to educate individuals about issues that should concern them.
They are vital for an informed and educated community. They are a crucial link between residents, local governments, schools, and businesses. They provide a platform for sharing information about local events, issues, and community stories, fostering civic engagement and bringing communities together. Furthermore, through fact-checking, they serve as a trusted source of information, holding local officials accountable for their actions and combating the spread of misinformation.
The Fluvanna Review has survived in the desert. It continues to inform its community on all levels by fostering civic engagement, promoting community involvement, connecting neighbors, highlighting local achievements, sharing history, culture, local stories, and economic development. But these are not normal times we live in, and local news, once the cornerstone of communities, is threatened with extinction.
While some national outlets have been able to maintain viable newsrooms through subscriptions, smaller local newspapers have struggled to attract enough online subscribers to compensate for lost print revenue. Local news depends mostly on ad revenue.
There has also been a shift in readership habits, with many going online for news. We are at a pivotal point in how we receive information. The larger networks have always survived, even with cable news coming on the scene. But now, with more online presence with podcasters and other news outlets vying for viewers and readers’ attention, even big-name media is re-thinking how they will survive.
Local newspapers are more than just sources of information; they are essential pillars of a thriving community, fostering civic engagement, strengthening social bonds, and supporting local businesses and culture. They bring us together for celebrations and to rally around an important issue. They are a lifeline for factual community information.
Nowadays, it is important to not only support local news but also be aware of issues that trickle down to localities and have an effect, such as government funding of schools, the arts, and libraries, which are important to local communities. Experts have agreed that the local press is important to maintaining democratic principles. It begins with local information. Our news is the first to sound the alarm on an issue, but it is also important to know where to find more information.
When looking up information or researching an issue, here are some key tips for locating factual information and rooting out bias. By using these diverse sources and adopting critical evaluation strategies, you can intensify your ability to find and rely on factual information. Sharing what you learn with others is also helpful.
Always cross-check information with multiple sources rather than relying on a single one. Investigate the source, look into the author’s credentials, affiliations, and potential biases. This is important. Finally, check the URL, and look for reliable domains like “.edu” (educational), “.gov” (government), and reputable “.com” websites, while noting that even these may require further evaluation.
Accessing factual information about your local community is crucial for civic engagement and informed decision-making. Begin by knowing about your local government. It is amazing how many Fluvanna residents are unaware of their government officials and where to get information. Fluvannacounty.org has information on the Board of Supervisors, meetings, agenda, and packets, as does the Planning Commission. It also has Economic Development information, community events, and Parks and Recreation information. One of the best sources of information for local, regional, state, and federal is the Fluvanna County Public Library. The Fluvanna Historical Society also has local information and archives.
Another item used by those who ask questions but may not be getting any answers is the The Freedom of Information Act, or FOIA. This allows citizens to request access to government records, providing a deeper understanding of local government operations.
Nearby educational institutions, including UVA, often host events related to issues and conduct research, making them a valuable tool for in-depth analysis. Local non-profit and advocacy groups focus on specific community issues and may publish reports, studies, and advocacy materials. This is where cross-checking comes in to weed out bias and maintain the facts.
When going outside, local to state or federal, be aware and start by researching using fact-checkers. With the use of high-tech voodoo influencing websites and information, it is important to know who is behind the information. One of the oldest and largest fact-checking websites, Snopes, investigates rumors, urban legends, and online misinformation. FactCheck.org is a non-partisan, non-profit consumer advocate for voters, a project of The Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania. Others for checking politicians’ statements are PolitiFact.com, created by the Tampa Bay Times newspaper, which rates the accuracy of claims by politicians, and The Washington Post Fact Checker. Always a good resource worldwide is the AP Fact Check.
When questioning something about the federal government, it’s not an easy task. Check out Data.gov, this is the United States government’s open data website, providing access to datasets published by federal agencies. Many agencies maintain websites, for example, USA.gov, Congress.gov, Science.gov, etc. These government agencies provide data and reports, which are excellent sources of factual information.
The news is still one of the best sources of information, and the AP (Associated Press) is a news cooperative known for fast, accurate, and unbiased news reporting. For global news, Reuters and BBC, the British Broadcasting Corporation, although it’s perceived as left-center biased by some, and the Wall Street Journal, also viewed as conservative, the news is regarded as reliable and factual, particularly for business news.
