EDITORIAL: National Newspaper Week begins Oct. 2

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Sunday begins National Newspaper Week.

The goal of National Newspaper Week is to inform readers across the world why having a newspaper in their community is important. It also celebrates the accomplishments of all involved in the industry while highlighting the future.

Highlighted during this week is the Relevance Project, a collaboration of news sources throughout the country to keep them relevant in a digitally-focused world.

The Relevance Project breaks the importance of newspapers down in a series of topics, most of which are applicable to Enterprise Media Group properties. EMG prides itself on local, balanced news and drives its staff to produce important, impactful and engaging content to its readers.

One key point the Relevance Project makes is that newspapers are local. Employees are affected by recessions, tax increases, natural disasters and anything else that affects the public. People within our walls fight the same struggles our readers do. Our products reflect that in the stories we cover and how they're covered. We aim to report the facts of the situation while gathering voices that are impacted. Our staff wants to work with you, the public, to make sure your voices are heard and the important issues are addressed in a fair and balanced way.

The Relevance Project also highlights the trust newspapers have built up in their communities. An editorial written by Brett Wesner, Chair of the National Newspaper Association, highlights the results of the SusquehannaPolling and Research team. The study found local newspapers as the most trusted source when it comes to learning about candidates. The study also showed that newspapers and television stations are used more than social media and direct mailers when deciding on a candidate. Additionally, 77% of respondents said they read a newspaper that covers their local community.

EMG's attention to building trust is reflected in its 150-plus year presence in Nebraska. That type of longevity is not possible without continued support of readers. Support is garnered through trust.

National Newspaper Week is a chance for newspapers to show their readers the value of a community-based news source. Many newspapers across the country will feature editorials similar to this one, promoting its product and its mission. And like EMG properties, most newspapers celebrate the week while knowing awareness towards newspaper's importance and relevance shouldn't be confined to just a handful of days. For the other 51 weeks of the year, we will continue to serve you, the readers, and the community that has supported us for decades.