Where we fit into the community
At their best local papers are catalysts for change in the community; forums for open discussion. Essentially community newspapers have a closer connection with their readers than other newspapers that, being more remote, carry less, or a different kind, of credibility with their readers.
Local newspapers are intensely interested and curious about their readers; identifying and understanding them in order to satisfy their informational needs and also to enable advertisers to know the market and meet its requirements. The good suburban newspaper seeks continually to understand the characteristic and behaviour, the habitats and inclinations of its readers; and in truth the interests, the passions and concerns of the community.
The community in turn shapes the paper. The letters to the editor page, for instance, has immediate relevance to readers for, while they are concerned on the wider and deeper issues of the broader community, and indeed the planet, what decision the council made about a certain development or the state of the railway service, or lack of it, it is of first importance.
A vital community newspaper draws its being from the community and equally gives back to that community. What is happening in the neighbourhood most closely concerns inhabitants; the local news of the week, the gossip, opinions, discussion, disagreement, the achievements of local heroes and heroines, these are what is grist to the mill. It is, unfailingly, week after week, a forum for the residents' thoughts, suggestions and ideas; the views, criticism and complaints, not forgetting the praise! The local paper gets to the heart of the matter. It is the community's voice.
The community newspaper has unerring instinct for what makes local news - it is a mistake to disparage this focus - and that is its very strength. In supplying authoritative, quality editorial that is backed up by strong marketing promotions it plays a role in the local community that no other publication can.
At their best local papers are catalysts for change in the community; forums for open discussion. Essentially community newspapers have a closer connection with their readers than other newspapers that, being more remote, carry less, or a different kind, of credibility with their readers.
Local newspapers are intensely interested and curious about their readers; identifying and understanding them in order to satisfy their informational needs and also to enable advertisers to know the market and meet its requirements. The good suburban newspaper seeks continually to understand the characteristic and behaviour, the habitats and inclinations of its readers; and in truth the interests, the passions and concerns of the community.
The community in turn shapes the paper. The letters to the editor page, for instance, has immediate relevance to readers for, while they are concerned on the wider and deeper issues of the broader community, and indeed the planet, what decision the council made about a certain development or the state of the railway service, or lack of it, it is of first importance.
A vital community newspaper draws its being from the community and equally gives back to that community. What is happening in the neighbourhood most closely concerns inhabitants; the local news of the week, the gossip, opinions, discussion, disagreement, the achievements of local heroes and heroines, these are what is grist to the mill. It is, unfailingly, week after week, a forum for the residents' thoughts, suggestions and ideas; the views, criticism and complaints, not forgetting the praise! The local paper gets to the heart of the matter. It is the community's voice.
The community newspaper has unerring instinct for what makes local news - it is a mistake to disparage this focus - and that is its very strength. In supplying authoritative, quality editorial that is backed up by strong marketing promotions it plays a role in the local community that no other publication can.
| Charter The objectives of CNA are to protect and promote the interests, rights, privileges and influence of the suburban press, and to promote mutual help and advice to its members. The aims of CNA members are to project a better image of suburban newspapers and to make the newspapers more attractive to their readers. Code of Ethics This Code has been prepared pursuant to clause 34 of the Constitution. Members are expected: • 1. To conduct all business transactions and to publish suburban newspapers in such a manner that they do not discredit the suburban newspaper industry or those associated with them in membership. • 2. To watch over and protect the interests, rights and privileges of membership and to assist in promoting the greater efficiency and influence of the Australian Suburban Newspapers, in the Australian community. • 3. To foster co-operation and to disseminate news and information amongst members of CNA in all matters affecting their common interests, and endeavour to further the interests of suburban newspapers where concerted action might prove beneficial and effective. • 4. To co-operate with the Federal Executive and other members in regard to Government legislation, industrial relations and awards. • 5. To accept the decision of the Federal Executive in all matters relating to themselves and the Association provided however that such decision may be challenged at an Annual General Meeting or a General Meeting of CNA. • 6. To make available to CNA information concerning circulation figures, advertising rates, publishing dates and times and distribution boundaries and to notify CNA of all changes of distribution boundaries and other publishing details. • 7. To subscribe to and apply the Rules and Advertising Codes of the Media Council of Australia. • 8. To publish news and editorial opinion honestly, objectively and fairly and to provide a forum for the expression of reasonable community and reader reaction. • 9. To encourage editorial staff to abide by the Code of Ethics of the Australian Journalists Association. • 10. To correct where reasonably possible any published information shown to be incorrect or inaccurate. |