Why Newspapers Matter, Part 1

What's the old saying about missing something after it's gone? With so many newspapers struggling to stay afloat (the owners of more than 30 daily newspapers are currently in bankruptcy court), readers are beginning to realize how much they would miss without their morning newspaper.

The Letter to the Editor below was published today in The Pottstown Mercury:

Newspapers like The Mercury do so much for the community

I have been a Mercury subscriber for 45 years and a lot of people are always complaining about the newspaper — things like the front page is always full of murders, assaults and robberies, etc.

I would like to mention a few things I think everyone should be thankful The Mercury does. The first thing is Operation Holiday. I am amazed that the people, businesses and organization of the general Pottstown area raised approximately $60,000 for the needy at Christmas time.

Without employees of The Mercury donating their time and space, this would not have happened. Also, thanks to The Mercury employees and many high school kids who put everything together. The Mercury wrote articles about families in need and published names of donors to Operation Holiday.

The Mercury also donates their time and space to raise money for the Pottstown Fourth of July celebration. If they wouldn't do that, there wouldn't be enough money to have a nice celebration.

And last, to the great sports department at The Mercury, you do a great job of reporting on local sports with box scores and write-ups. You do a terrific job reporting on athletes who are competing in college sports. Great job Don Seeley, Dennis Weller, Martin Cooper, Rosemarie Ross and Jeff Stover.

I realize newspapers are struggling right now because of increased costs and the Internet. Please keep up the good work.

KARL STAUFFER
Gilbertsville