Writing on the Wall

A newspaper is as good as its sources

Posted

This spring I observed ten years as the editor of the Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald. It has been, by far, the most interesting and rewarding of career choices.

I won’t go into the “newspapers are dead” topic. Ok, I will for a bit.

I always remember reading about the dire predictions for cinema when television came into almost every household. “People will never go to the movies again!” they said. “They won’t pay to see a feature film if they can stay home and be entertained for free!” they cried. But that never happened — people still flock to movies, now more than ever, for good, bigger-than-life entertainment — even with the steep price of a ticket, a drink and bucket of buttered popcorn.

I believe that the same thing holds true for the fate of newspapers: they’re real, they’re tangible, and yes, they can be trusted. True, we give facts and opinions, but we clearly tell you the difference. We allow others to have their say on our pages, even if what they’re writing doesn’t reflect the views of this newspaper. Or if they get under your craw, you can rebut with a signed Letter to the Editor. That’s freedom of speech.

On the Internet, with its lava-flow of information, I have seen so much misinformation, speculation and opinion, and not just on social media sites. These topics are important, and everyone should have their say, but when opinion is taken as fact — that’s when things get muddy. And there are no checks and balances to stop the flow.

When I do research online, I have to “follow the leads” to the source for even the smallest bit of information, and check numerous sources to find even the smallest of facts. It’s like playing the game “telephone” — the more something is retold, the more the real facts are lost. Always go to the source. And then check their source.

Do we always get it right? Granted, things slip by, but again, we’re only as good as our sources. And some of our most important sources are you, the reader. You know what’s going on, what’s trending, what the issues are in your neighborhood. Tell us. Let us know what you’d like to see on these pages. It’s your newspaper. And that’s a fact.

Mary Malloy can be reached at (516) 569-4000 ext. 202 or by email at MMalloy@liherald.com.