Apparently this commitment does not apply to community
newspapers such as the Passaic Valley Today (PVT), which serves the communities
of Little Falls, Totowa and Woodland Park.
Readers of this week's PVT were in for quite a shock.
For openers, this week's newspaper was reduced to 32 pages (half its previous size); local community news coverage was minimal. While the newspaper included news items about Teaneck, Paramus, and Wayne, as well as a review of a play being performed in New York City.
The most glaring change was the newspaper's letter to the editor policy. In the past, the PVT included several letters from readers in each issue of the newspaper which highlighted community concerns and issues. The current issue featured only one letter to the editor; and there is a new letter to the editor policy that states that "not all letters will necessarily be published."
The northjersey.com's web site states that "residents of communities in the Passaic Valley have depended on Today Newspapers for more than 35 years.... Now, Community Newspapers of North Jersey Media Group covers these thriving suburbs even more completely with separate, community-focused editions."
With respect to the role of a community newspaper, a Pew Research Center survey concluded ".. that newspapers play a far more complex role in the civic life of communities than many Americans believe...." And the National Newspaper Association reports that 75 percent of people read most or all of their local newspaper each week.
Now is the time to act and let your voice be
heard.
PVT readers who are disappointed and unhappy by the newspaper's new policies should send an email to Rick Green at: green@northjersey.com telling him that you're "mad as hell" and that you want your PVT back!
Readers are urged to post their comments to Mr. Green on The Gadfly.
ReplyDeleteMy email to Mr. Green.
ReplyDeleteAs a long time reader of the Passaic Valley Today (PVT) I am writing to express my dismay with the newspapers new direction.
It is no longer the newspaper that provides residents of Little Falls with local content re: local news, events, and community activities.
It was particularly distressing to see the newspaper's new policy regarding letters to the editor. This week's PVT featured only one letter when in the past there were multiple letters published.
In my view the letters to the editor is a vital part of the newspaper. It gives the residents a voice about issues of concern in the township.
Perhaps a focus group of Little Falls residents should be held to hear first hand how they view the role and function of a community newspaper.
I truly hope that you will reconsider refocusing the Passaic Valley Toady as a newspaper that focuses on the issues and concerns of the residents of Little Falls.