Retired Glens Falls Post-Star Editor Ken Tingley spoke at the NYSUT building in Potsdam on Wednesday, March 22, to discuss the impact and importance of local newspapers. NCNow photo by Jimmy Lawton.
BY JIMMY LAWTON
North Country This Week
People don’t realize what they are losing when newspapers shrink or shutter.
That was the heartbeat of a presentation given Wednesday by retired Glens Falls Post-Star Editor Ken Tingley, who penned “The Last American Newspaper” and the “The Last American Editor.”
Tingley spoke in the New York State United Teachers building in Potsdam as part of the St. Lawrence County Democratic Committee Series “Elevate the Conversation,” which aims to engage the community and discuss important issues in a cordial environment.
The point Tingley seemed to make is that the impact local newspapers may have is hard to measure, but it should not be underestimated.
Tingley also spoke of an industry under fire, in which newspapers have been made out to be an enemy of the public via conversations on social media.
He shared stories of threats made to his office and unsubstantiated accusations of “fake news” hurled at organizations working to improve rather than hurt communities.
Tingley’s presentation was a love letter to the fifth estate, but also a eulogy to the glory days of bustling newsrooms that were adequately staffed to dig deep into real issues faced by small communities.
Tingley served as Editor of the Post-Star for 24 years. He’s even been honored by the City of Glens Falls with Ken Tingley Day.
Tingley shared stories of columns and stories written by himself as well as his staff that touched hearts, brought about positive changes in the community and in one instance brought a Pulitzer Prize to a small city. That’s a feat he says is simply not something that happens.
Among the stories highlighted by Tingley was a series written in the wake of a murder that stemmed from domestic violence.
It was a shooting in broad…
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