Earlier today this thoughtful article in Fast Company, which outlines why local newspapers have struggled or disappeared in many parts of the country,popped up on one of my social media feeds. It’s a sobering analysis—and one that makes me even more confident in the mission of Oasis Media and the work we’re doing through our five local hyperlocal new sites as well as other efforts to engage communities through local news.
The author suggests that local news only survives in affluent communities with deep-pocketed advertisers. That may be true in some places—but it’s not our experience. Our readers are a mix of working families, small business owners, first-generation college students, and faith leaders. Some communities have wealth, yes—but most have something more valuable: trust in their local news outlet and a desire to be informed and uplifted.
Where others see declining models, we see relationships.
We reject “parachute journalism”—the kind that shows up only when tragedy strikes. Our reporters are embedded in the neighborhoods they cover. They celebrate milestones,and at times have grieved, with families. They accept invitations to worship in churches, mosques, and temples. They show up before the ribbon cutting and stay after the vigil. Our weekly editorial meetings are filled with stories about how we’re engaging—not just what we’re reporting.
To our countless community contributors: thank you. Whether you send us photos from your block party or flag a municipal council issue, you’re a large part of what makes this model work.
Competition? We don’t see other news outlets as enemies. We see collaborators. We learn from them. We all have the same mission: to inform, empower, and connect. We can’t tell every story that needs to be told. When more voices are telling the stories of our neighborhoods, we all benefit.
Politics? It’s complicated—especially in New Jersey. But our role isn’t to sway, it’s to inform. We’re not here to traffic in outrage or echo chambers. We’re here to earn trust, build understanding, and help people make their own informed choices.
As Oasis Media continues to grow, we stay rooted in our values: trust, growth, and community. We’re here to celebrate, empower, and uplift the people we serve. And that mission is more relevant—and more urgent—than ever.
#LocalNews #solutionsbasedjournalism #storytelling #JournalismMatters
