I’ve been reading the comments on social media about the potential shuttering (and subsequent sales) affecting more than a dozen Iowa newspapers due to the closure of Mid-America Publishing Corp., based in Hampton.

I wanted a glimpse into how Iowans felt about the potential loss of the newspapers.

It’s apparent in reading the comment sections that some Iowans believe newspapers are dead, dying or unnecessary and that news is inexpensive to produce and therefore should be free to consume. They also believe the internet and social media will be sufficient replacements for some of these 100-200 year-old newspapers.

Sigh.

When I first started Black Iowa News, I interviewed a historian who told me, as an aside, that 100 years from now, researchers would use my work to glimpse into the lives of Black Iowans. His comment energized me and changed how I viewed my mission, which had focused primarily on representation. Of course, I believe in journalistic integrity and accuracy, but he reminded me that an important function of Black Iowa News is actively documenting history. We are writing chapters of the story that otherwise wouldn’t exist.

When the Iowa newspapers close, communities across the state will lose out. Their voices will go missing from the story.

The comment section also underscores that, while some journalism is free for public consumption (like the Black Iowa Newspaper), it isn’t free to produce — and the public forgets that part. Full stop.

Some commenters believe that publishers pay for writers, interns, newsprint, postage and a myriad of other operating expenses with money trees in the backyard. If only that were so.

Newspapers are a public good. The act of newsgathering is a public good. We need the public to be an active partner, not solely that of consumer. (What that means is subscribe, advertise, click, like, share, support, reach out, volunteer and don’t give up on print).

When I first joined the Des Moines Register in 1999, my proud mother carefully preserved many of the stories I wrote. Each time I was out covering my beat, I made sure Black children, in particular, had the opportunity to be photographed or quoted. I did it for their parents and especially their grandmas — whom I imagined would cut the story out of the paper and preserve it for future generations.

I began Black Iowa News online in 2020, and I started the Black Iowa Newspaper in 2023, aware of the daunting industry conditions. I remain determined to deliver important news and information to Black Iowans and others statewide. Thankfully, many Iowans also believe in this mission and help Black Iowa News accomplish its goals.

Some commenters said it’s a “sign of the times” and “a sad day” to learn about the newspaper closures.

Indeed.

Scrolling a story just isn’t the same. 🗞️