Local stories: Why we keep an eye on the inconspicuous

Local stories: Why we keep an eye on the inconspicuous

at a time when social media and digital platforms dominate the flow of news, local journalists face a variety of challenges and often misunderstandings. For many, we are the broad grin on the morning phone call or the tireless collectors of information about what happens right on the doorstep. An interesting note recently came from a friend who asked how we could report on local events and small events. "Don't you just write it down by calling a little?"

Such assumptions are not only frustrating, but also misleading. The truth is that deep research and striving for truthfulness are the cornerstones of our craft. Many people, including enterprising friends, bring comments that demand both clarity and a little humor. For example, the question of whether we actually know all the rammers in the city on the first name. Such questions often show how underestimated the work of local reporters is underestimated.

A mirror of society

It is true that our local parts are sometimes considered trivial when we report on the largest sunflower or the most extraordinary pumpkins in the garden. However, what many overlooked is that such topics not only offer amusement. They reflect the lives of people around us and offer windows in the small joys of daily existence. Often it is these "banalizations" that give readers joy and the feeling of community, even if the news is not of international interest.

Imagine there is an article about a gardener who bred a huge plant. Yes, at first glance it may seem banal. But after reporting, people come in droves to admire this plant. This shows that interest in such topics goes much deeper and actually brings together communities.

In addition, we often treat topics that are important for animal lovers, such as reports on snakes in the swimming pool or deer that run through the gardens. These articles often reach readers who are interested in nature and the environment, and stimulate thought about the relationship between humans and animals in urban rooms. Despite the simple topics, we often become an important part of the discourse about our surroundings.

Cohesion

Another aspect of our work in the local reportage is that we create a connection with the reports. Each article has the potential to open a dialogue and to put different perspectives in the foreground. It is important that readers understand that nothing comes from the air empty space. Our articles are one of many building blocks that form the foundation of society in which we live.

The statements that local journalism is superfluous or only reports "nonsense" are therefore not only a misunderstanding of the profession, but also a missed opportunity to appreciate what is often perceived as banal. Our work not only meets acceptable topics, but actively shapes the image of our communities.

Ultimately, only one thing remains to say: If you want to know where the greatest tomatoes grow or where the longest bananas are under cultivation, read the "Schwäbische Zeitung" and discover what makes people special here.

Background of local journalism

Local journalism plays a crucial role in the media landscape by being close to people and dealing with topics that directly affect the everyday life of citizens. His roots go back to the beginning of freedom of the press when local newspapers came up to strengthen the voice of the communities. With the rise of digital media, local journalism was often in the shade of larger, national reporting. Despite these challenges, it remains important to inform the local people about events, political decisions and social issues.

The reporting on everyday events, as is done in many local editors, reflects the variety and complexity of local communities. It is not only a source of information, but also promotes the sense of community by creating space for dialogue and interaction. In many cities and municipalities, the local press is the only source of information for certain events that may be ignored elsewhere, which underlines their importance for democracy.

Economic challenges for local journalism

The economic framework for local journalism has come under great pressure in recent years. Many local newspapers face falling advertising income and a decline in print subscriptions. As a result, many editorial offices have to reduce staff and to be restricted in their reporting. Data indicated that around 1,800 local newspapers in the United States have closed since 2000, which means loss of an important source of information for many communities. This development can also be observed in Germany, where the publishing landscape is increasingly consolidated and local voices are often underrepresented in larger media groups.

These financial disparities mean that journalists are often forced to take on several tasks, which can affect the quality of reporting. Studies show that a decline in locally sound reporting also has a negative impact on the political participation and the knowledge of the citizens, since local news is a decisive source of information for the public (source: International Federation of Journalists ).