Thank you for being part of our journey and here's to another year of impactful Big C journalism

Yahoo

07-03-2025

Let's be honest. These days, small local newspapers – the true backbone of print journalism – are an endangered species. Across the country, I've seen way too many small-town papers shut down, leaving communities without a reliable source of news. That's why it means so much to me – and my staff – that the Herald-Banner hasn't just survived but managed to sometimes even thrive.
This week, we were honored as Division II Newspaper of the Year in the 2024 Best of CNHI journalism awards, standing out among scores of CNHI newspapers of all sizes spread across 19 states. That's a big deal. Not just for us but for everyone who values real, community-focused journalism.
For those of us who live and breathe local news, this recognition is more than a plaque on the wall. It's proof that what we do matters. Big media outlets might cover national headlines but who's going to tell the stories of our city council meetings, high school sports and the people who shape our town? That's where we come in at the Herald-Banner and others of our ilk. Community newspapers capture the moments that define a place and the people who call it home.
This award is a testament to the hard work of our tiny newsroom. Our editorial team was recognized for delivering sharp, thought-provoking local commentary with myself named as Editorial Writer of the Year. Warren Morrison's solid eye-catching designs earned him Designer of the Year – his second win in a row. And if you saw David Claybourn's stunning front page solar eclipse photo last spring, you won't be surprised to hear he was named Photographer of the Year.
Winning four CNHI awards in one year was a jaw-dropping moment for me but the real victory is what it represents—the importance of local journalism. The 'Big C' – as in community – and that's what we're all about.
But here's the thing: passion alone doesn't keep a newspaper running. We need readers. We need subscribers. We need businesses to advertise with us. Without that support, local papers disappear. And when they do, communities lose more than just headlines. They lose a trusted source of information, a watchdog for local government and a way to stay connected with their neighbors.
When a town loses its newspaper, it doesn't just leave a blank space on a newsstand. It leaves a hole in the community. Misinformation spreads faster, fewer people engage in local issues and stories that deserve to be told simply vanish. That's why it's so important to support local journalism. A subscription isn't just about getting the news. It's about making sure there's someone here to tell your stories long after I've moved on.
Right now, we're seeing too many small towns become news deserts. Hopefully, that won't happen in Greenville. As long as we have your support, we'll keep shining a light on what matters – your schools, your businesses, your local government and your community's successes and struggles. At least we'll try.
This award belongs to all of you – our readers, our subscribers, our supporters. Without you, none of this would be possible. So, if you believe in local journalism, help keep it alive. Subscribe. Encourage your neighbors to subscribe. Advertise with us. Engage with us. Because without you, there is no us.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Here's to another year of impactful Big C journalism.
--- Kent Miller is the editor of Herald-Banner Publications.