Edmund Burke’s notion of the press as the “fourth pillar” of democracy underscores its crucial role in holding power accountable and ensuring a well-informed citizenry. In theory, this concept elevates the press as an indispensable force for maintaining democratic checks and balances. Yet, in small towns like Mokokchung, this ideal often clashes with the harsh realities faced by local newspapers.
Small-town newspapers play an essential role in their communities, providing tailored coverage that larger media outlets often overlook. They are the chroniclers of local events, advocates for community issues, and a mirror reflecting the town’s unique character. However, despite their significance, these papers are frequently beset by challenges that threaten their survival.
The competition from larger media organizations is formidable. Big newspapers and national news outlets often overshadow local papers, drawing away both readership and advertising revenue. In Mokokchung, this disparity is particularly evident. Local residents, drawn to the prestige and perceived authority of larger publications, often neglect their own town’s newspaper. This trend not only deprives local papers of crucial support but also weakens their ability to provide pertinent and timely news.
The financial model of small-town newspapers relies heavily on advertisement revenue, and when local businesses favor larger publications, these newspapers struggle to stay afloat. This lack of community support creates a vicious cycle: without revenue, newspapers cannot invest in quality journalism or expand their coverage, leading to diminished readership and further financial woes.
Yet, small-town newspapers have a unique advantage—they possess an intimate understanding of local issues, needs, and perspectives that larger outlets cannot match. They are embedded within the community, offering insights and reporting that resonate more deeply with local readers. Their survival is not just a matter of sustaining a business but of preserving a vital democratic function within the town.
It is time for communities like Mokokchung to recognize and support their local newspapers as the invaluable resources they are. Investing in and subscribing to these papers can ensure they continue to serve their essential role as the fourth pillar of democracy. Strengthening local journalism enriches the community and helps uphold the democratic values that allow towns to thrive.