If you are reading these words, you are someone who understands the value of local newspapers. And we are grateful for you.

This is National Newspaper Week, an annual celebration of the value that local news sources provide their communities. For many years, newspapers were the only way that people could understand what was happening in their cities and towns without directly participating in the process. The Hull Times has been around since 1930. And in those 93 years, these pages have seen many of the same issues debated annually, as well as many good ideas implemented and even some terrible ideas take root.

During all of this time, the Times has been staffed by people who care about this community and want to share it with you. Whether you grew up here – like many members of our staff – or if you are new to town and are still learning about what makes our peninsula unique, we hope you find something valuable in each edition.

The fact is, despite the national trend of community news sources being absorbed by larger operations or shut down entirely, Americans are still looking for reliable, accurate information, as a 2023 study by the America’s Newspapers Foundation concluded.

The survey of 5,000 people found that eight out of 10 Americans still get news and information from local print or digital sources every month. Nearly three-quarters of those interviewed said a local newspaper is important, and 43% said local newspapers or their websites are the most accurate source of news and information. Or, as the study’s authors wrote: “Local news is critical to the well-being of a community.”

The Times has adapted to our readers’ changing habits by providing content online and promoting news and events on social media. We want to be where you are, giving you information that you need to make sound decisions about navigating life in Hull. We also want to give you a trusted place where you can find comprehensive coverage of important issues, not the tangled mess of speculation and rumors that seems to dominate online discourse.

Like any business, however, there are inevitable costs. None of us can afford to work for free, and the human hours it takes to write, edit, photograph, draw, design, sell, print, label, deliver, upload, promote, share, interpret, analyze, and publish each week are daunting. Not having to answer to a national parent company allows us some flexibility, but being independent presents its own challenges. Keeping this show on the road often keeps us up at night.

We’re so grateful for our supporters – our regular subscribers, those who buy the paper on the newsstand every week, and our advertisers whose consistency provides a strong foundation for growth.

Our message during National Newspaper Week is one of thanks, but also a request for your help. As we mentioned above, if you are reading this, then you understand the value of a local news outlet. We need more people like you. We need Hullonians to support us with subscriptions, newsstand purchases, and advertising. We need others who may not be subscribers or advertisers to join you on this journey and become part of the family.

And speaking of families, we also want to encourage all of our readers and advertisers to send us news about Hull’s families – births, engagements, marriages, graduations, job promotions, awards, and other accomplishments. Share your good news with your neighbors!

The Times is stronger when there are many voices contributing, and with our committed group of staff members and supporters like you, we plan to celebrate National Newspaper Week as an independent news organization for at least 93 more years!

Do you have an opinion on this issue? Click here to write a Letter to the Editor.

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