A newspaper’s value to its community

In the 45 years since I got into the newspaper business, you‚d think I‚d be beyond the point of being surprised. Yet when I heard that the Heavener Ledger has ceased publication, I was surprised (at least a little) and dismayed. And the Queen song came to mind: Another one bites the dust.

The newspaper is the backbone of a community, a vital partner that not only delivers news and information while serving as an indispensable advertising resource, but is also a dedicated watchdog for the community, holding elected officials accountable and ensuring readers are aware of what is being done in their name. The newspaper is why home refrigerators are often covered in news clippings about school activities, sporting events, community calendars, wedding announcements and obituaries. It reports what becomes the history of the community, a legacy of those who toiled and played, cried and laughed, built and tore down, dreamed and despaired throughout the years with the newspaper chronicling the famous as well as those who are just folks.

The Ledger‚s decision — a heart-rending one that my wife and I made what seems a lifetime ago when we owned a good-news-only newspaper — is one made too many times in too many communities. And for all the criticism the media endures, especially as of late, it‚s too often “the little guy,” the dedicated community journalist who unselfishly sacrifice home life and what most take for granted, that pays the price. The heartbeat of the community is too often a casualty, having given the last full measure of devotion on behalf of those who eagerly await each publication as well as those who are quick to assail the Fourth Estate for its commitment to truth, justice and the American Way.

In announcing the decision to cease printing the newspaper that has served the LeFlore County community for 118 years, Ledger publisher Craig Hall admitted that “it just got to the point all of the costs far exceeded our income. We‚ve got the cost of the staff, printing, postage, software and much more.”

As Hall pointed out, the Heavener newspaper had witnessed two world wars and the Great Depression, but it was the pandemic that “finally stuck a fork in us. We lost several long-time advertisers and have not gotten replacements. People, primarily the young ones, simply do not read the newspapers. While we appreciate our loyal readers, there aren‚t enough anymore, and many have passed away.”

Not surprisingly, social media and the internet played a major part in deciding the Ledger‚s fate. But Hall did everything business owners do to try to save their business and the livelihood of their employees. The Ledger sold its building in downtown Heavener last year to help reduce expenses. But now the newspaper, often the town‚s welcome sign and a hub of activity for those looking for information, has unintentionally distanced itself from the community with its office now located in a residential neighborhood.

While Hall‚s decision only affects the printed version of the newspaper — the e-edition, website and digital newsletter will continue — it‚s a decision that is too often the first of what ultimately becomes one resulting in closing altogether. And as it is with many things that are pillars of the community, too many don‚t appreciate what they have until it‚s gone.

“I hate this is happening,” Hall told his readers. “But we have tried to do everything possible, and nothing seemed to work.”

Your TIMES offers its heartfelt condolences to its journalistic brethren during this difficult transition, and reaffirms its gratitude to our readers and advertisers who depend on us and value our unwavering commitment to our community.