In an increasingly divided society, local newspapers are struggling to maintain trust while navigating a fraught political landscape. The panelists tackled the complicated balance of objectivity, transparency, and engagement.
“Trust across the United States in media is very challenged,” said Leonard Woolsey, President of Southern Newspapers. “But that’s our story to tell and we need to tell it over and over.”
One practical response has been to change how the public engages with local papers. Woolsey shared that his paper removed website comments after realizing they had become counterproductive.
“We eliminated comments… it was becoming a toxic coffee shop,” he explained.
Instead, the focus shifted toward curated forms of community dialogue, like guest columns and letters to the editor—a move that not only improved discourse but also boosted participation.
Jeff Johnson, Senior VP at Hearst, President and Group Head of Hearst Newspapers added that it’s difficult for newsrooms to remain neutral in today’s environment: “It’s really hard in the environment for our newsrooms to cut that objective way to do it… in a world that is very polarized.”
Still, the panelists believe that by sticking to journalistic values and fostering real dialogue, local newspapers can regain their role as trusted community forums.
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