The Future of the Media is . . . Become More like the Church Press.

And the future of the local newspaper is  . . . to become more like the church press.

That’s one conclusion that can be drawn from research into the future of local newspapers supported by the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism and the Knight Foundation.

An article about the research, titled “if small newspapers are going to survive, they’ll have to be more than passive observers to the news,” was published recently by Nieman lab.

In it, the authors suggest that the future of smaller newspapers depend on them seeing themselves as part of their community; focusing more on the value of place; and working to bring people together, figuratively and literally, “to help create and reflect a sense of community.”

Other research cited by the article indicates that what readers want in their local newspaper is a “good neighbor” rather than a crusading “watchdog.”

The article’s authors conclude: 

“While we’re not advocating a relinquishing of traditional fourth-estate duties, this role may need to be blended with a shift in approach that sees local newspapers playing more active roles in their communities, and not just acting as passive, detached observers.”

Reading the article, I thought: That sure sounds like the church press to me.

For decades, the church press—publications that cover and are either owned or subsidized by denominations—have served as both neighbour and watchdog to their churches.

Editors of church publications have seen themselves as being rooted in the denominations they cover, and rooting for its success—but also willing to call it to account when it failed to measure up.

Sure, the church press has failed at times, sometimes being too cozy with the people it is covering and forgetting its responsibility to the readers.  

But in the main, the editors I have known have managed to be part of the community they cover, and also holding it accountable.

And now there is research suggesting that the mainstream media should operate the same way.

Hmmm . . . maybe the editors of some of Canada’s daily newspapers might want to make a trek to the next Canadian Church Press convention to seek some advice.

Addendum: Mission Statements

After writing the above, I decided to check the mission statements of a few church publications. I wonder what they would sound like if a local newspaper adopted versions of them? Maybe there is some wisdom here for ailing newspapers . . . .

National Catholic Reporter: “We attempt to contribute to the Catholic conversation by supporting freedom, honesty, openness and shared responsibility within the NCR reader community, the communities in which we live and the church, and by promoting the vision of a pilgrim church intimately linked with humanity and its history. We realize our unique responsibilities as North American Catholic publishers, both in our own society and in the worldwide faith community.”

“Both our print and Web publishing efforts foster an active, engaged spirituality in support of human dignity, social justice, environmental responsibility and world peace. As we dialogue within the Catholic community and with those beyond, we balance integrity and sensitivity, keeping an editorial vision that is both prophetic and reconciling — discerning the work of God’s Spirit and also aware of human limitations.”

Canadian Mennonite: “To educate, inspire, inform, and foster dialogue on issues facing Mennonites in Canada as it shares the good news of Jesus Christ from an Anabaptist perspective.”

Canadian Adventist Messenger: “Our goal is to inspire readers, by painting a vision of a vibrant, relevant church that invites commitment and involvement; educate readers, by stimulating thought, showing spiritual gifts and Christian skills in action, and expanding understanding of the Adventist church; encourage readers, by nurturing all segments of the church community, sharing spiritual insights and practical applications, and building a network of people and resources.

“We will fulfill our vision by focusing on Canadian members, issues, and achievements; presenting candid discussions and multiple viewpoints; describing what works, what doesn’t and why; emphasizing the human interest element in stories; using visual elements to spark curiosity and hold attention; creating interactive channels for reader involvement; providing contact information for follow-up by readers.”

Christianity Today: Our mission: To equip Christians to renew their minds, serve the church, and create culture to the glory of God. Our vision: To see the church grown up into the fullness of Christ. Our cause: In a world in desperate need of truth, goodness and beauty, Christianity Today strengthens the church by richly communicating the breadth of the true, good and beautiful Gospel.