Effort launched to boost local news in ProJo

Like I was saying yesterday, Rhode Islanders are displeased with the direction of the ProJo. Kath Connolly, a local educator, has launched a citizen-based effort to raise the quantity of local news in Rhode Island's statewide daily.

She's started a Facebook group called, "Can we keep the ProJo local?"

"Hi all. I'm worried our local newspaper is slipping away from us. All newsrooms are changing, but that's why we need to let the ProJo know what kind of news we will pay for. I want local news from my local newspaper.  Join me?  I've posted my letter."

I'll be getting in touch with Kath to see what else she might have in mind. For now, here's the letter she posted on Facebook.

Dear Providence Journal,

The Love Stories pictures just keep getting bigger and personally, I'm not feeling it.

I know it is a tough time for the newspaper industry. All over the country papers are cutting budgets, laying off people and downsizing as they face a challenging economy and dramatic changes in the way people gather and share information.

And I really like journalists. The best are smart, funny, slightly crazy people who care about the truth, are great storytellers, and know their towns like no one else.

I could argue with you about the layoffs you have made, but it is late for that. What I can do is ask that in rethinking your newsroom you focus on what we all need from you: THOROUGH LOCAL NEWS. Rhode Island continues to face economic challenges that mirror, and in some respects outpace, the challenges facing our country as a whole. We need as much detailed and clear information about our local politicians, schools, community leaders, and common challenges as we can get. For years you have been one of our primary sources for this information and the anlysis that seasoned local journalists can offer.

Can the ProJo please reorganize itself to focus on significant, thoughtful, local news? How about significant local news? Or just thoughtful local news? Is that too much to ask? Can you please use the experienced and talented people still in your midst who know the intricacies of Rhode Island politics, education and business and have invested years in developing sources?

Let's just review....(1) big photos with short captions, (2) long calendar listings and (3) special sections encouraging me to shop are not the news I am talking about. And as much as I love the good people of South County, I don't need to know about their school board meeting at the expense of knowing about my school board meeting. I can tell you they feel the same.

Thanks for listening, ProJo. I look forward to seeing you take on the challenge we all face in doing more with less without sacrificing our integrity in the process. I would also welcome some clear communication from you about your plans. It is the least you can do after years of being invited into my home. We are watching.