As manager of Macon Sense, I have seen first-hand how important providing information is to the Macon County community. A day has not passed since we launched our first edition on Oct. 12 that we have not received heartfelt compliments via emails, texts, phone calls, and in-person conversations. “Thank you for doing this,” is expressed over and over again.
The community newspaper model was established with this country’s foundation. News as well as local information – plus focuses on issues, citizens, businesses, and resources – kept communities in the know. Perhaps the importance of newspapers is why the press was included in the Constitution’s First Amendment: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
And although, “… the press is seen by large numbers of Americans as only selectively truthful – slanted toward a particular point of view …” wrote long-time Washington, D.C., journalist Cal Thomas in the June 3 edition of WORLD magazine, Macon Sense is committed to objectivity. You might read something that someone has written to express their scope of interest or passion – such as on the Straight Talk, Pay it Forward, or the Faith and Family pages. However, regarding Just the Facts and A Closer Look, these are articles that convey the information collected, observed, and provided in a true and ethical journalistic style – as journalism is intended.
Macon Sense’s focus is on “Your Community, Your Stories,” as our tagline reads. Not every bit of information will be “good news,” but we want to highlight – as much as possible – what is positive and enriching about our special and close-knit community.
There may be an over-abundance of national and international information outlets in the form of traditional publications, online websites, social media resources, and apps. However, small-town/community newspapers nationwide have been falling by the wayside in recent years due to expenses associated with cost-of-living increases as well as paper, ink, and gas prices. As a staff, we are committed to offering a free, content-rich Macon Sense every other Thursday at around 50 locations in Macon County as well as on our maconsense.org website and through regular Facebook and Instagram posts.
But, we are going to need the community’s support. Businesses, organizations, individuals, nonprofits, and others that advertise are our key supporters. Still, just an advertising model for financial resources typically does not sustain 21st century community newspapers. That is why we chose to start up with a solid nonprofit backing us: Kavod Family. Connection with a nonprofit enables Macon Sense to accept monetary support that is not advertising related.
Bottomline: If you do not need to advertise but you want Macon Sense to survive and thrive in Macon County, consider making a donation. Much like a not-for-profit public radio station needs support, Macon Sense will exist as a free newspaper for the long-term if our community becomes a part of making it happen. It makes sense, in fact, for Macon Sense to be supported by the community that it seeks to serve.
It is easy and tax-deductible to make a one-time or regular donation. Just click here: https://macon-sense.org/support-us.
Thank you. And, many blessings.