Editorial: News or Noise

What is news? What is noise? Is it news to say something might happen? On the other hand, is reporting on something after the fact too late? Recently, I have had several conversations with locals concerned about the Trump administration’s policies. We have also publicly covered two newsworthy rallies staged by residents against the Trump administration’s policies. Where are the Trump supporters? 

These are some of the conversations I’ve had with myself during recent months. 

I continue to be strict about the editorial policy of making sure what we publish has a strong local connection to the Copper Basin. Both John and I believe one of the keys to our survival is remaining special- covering stories that would not otherwise be covered. There are a lot of places to read about national issues, produced by people with more expertise than we have. 

Our interest, through any presidential administration, should be in the intersection between federal policies and this place right here. 

So, I’ve been reaching out to our local agencies to learn how the programs they administer are faring. 

A lot of what I’ve learned is: “We don’t know.” Is that news? Or is reporting on these conversations just adding to the noise? 

For example, our state forestry office receives federal funding to train new firefighters, distribute funds to volunteer fire departments, and perform fuel reduction work and fire prevention education around the area. Currently, they have as much funding as they had last year. But, they’re still operating in the prior fiscal year. They don’t know what will happen in the future. The Copper River School District has a similar story: The state contacts who help administer federal grants to districts currently have “no updated information” regarding next year’s federal funding. Is that news? 

This paper cannot serve the Copper Basin without serving our conservative readers the same as our more liberal readers -- and everyone in between. 

Many of the people who stand out time after time for building these communities, for helping their neighbors, for standing up to volunteer when others stand back, for contributing to the culture of the Copper Basin, and for just generally adding fun and joy to life here, are ardent supporters of President Trump. Donald Trump won more than 70% of the vote at our district polling places. Trump voters, we are not relevant if we are not your paper, even as we investigate whether the administration is helpful or harmful (or both) to the Copper Basin. Is that possible? 

The Trump administration is making a unique effort to single out groups of people, particularly immigrants, non-binary people, and activists. The White House also seeks to punish agencies that continue to “support diversity, equity and inclusion and accessibility.” These policies have a direct impact on individuals who live everywhere, including here, above and beyond the policies of several recent administrations. They are also contrary to our core values as a paper that values diversity, visibility, and safety for all communities. Is that local? 

In the past I have been truly proud to say this is a paper read by people with a wide range of political viewpoints. Is that still true? 

Help me. Continue the conversation. editor@copperriverrecord.net or (907)255-8687.