In March 2019, Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a proclamation recognizing “Thank A Journalist Day,” a campaign spearheaded by a team of public relations and advertising students at Ball State University. Its website is no longer active, but journalists still need our gratitude every day.
Crawfordsville/Montgomery County is blessed. We still have professional journalists working here. Sure, the Journal
lands on doorsteps with a softer thud these days, but the pages aren’t blank. Stop whining that there’s “nothing” to read anymore. My former colleagues ably cover as many news and sporting events as time and resources allow, and features ranging from the Preview Shelf to commentaries from Raymond Williams and Brian Howey enrich the social fabric of our community. I am grateful for every printed word.
Over the air, Crawfordsville’s radio stations offer another platform for our neighbors to discuss local news and events. The area is within range of at least seven NPR frequencies representing four member stations including the WFYI repeater at Wabash College.
The county’s public libraries provide access to local, regional and national newspapers, magazines and the internet, a vital link to information for those that can’t afford to pay for news. (Librarians need our thanks, too.)
It’s increasingly dangerous for journalists to gather all that information. The Committee to Protect Journalists reported a nearly 50% increase in the number of journalists and media workers killed worldwide from 2021-2022. The agency also saw a significant jump in requests from journalists for safety workshops and financial support, according to a press release.
A better informed public is worth the risk. Your favorite journalist would love to know you appreciate them.
Nick Hedrick
Crawfordsville
