This week, The Rockbridge Report sent two reporters to the City Council… luckily. The meeting, which lasted until after 10 p.m., was peppered with public outcry and criticism. Local citizens came to the City Council meeting to share their opinions regarding the new urban deer season, the apparently strained relationship between the rescue squad and Lexington Fire Department, and displaying Confederate flags during Lee-Jackson Day.
Once the meeting was over, our reporters were able to talk to a few citizens who spoke at the meeting and got their contact information.
But when our three reporters went to research and flesh out the stories, a hush fell over Lexington.
Michael Freeman tried to talk to rescue squad members, who had been vocal about their "mistreatment" by the Lexington Fire Department. But, when he tried to reach the rescue squad members, they were not able to talk to the press, or perhaps they were less enthusiastic about their cause.
Brooke Sutherland made a number of phone calls to citizens who had spoken against the urban archery season at the meeting, but only a small number of them returned her calls.
One of the most important roles of a journalist is showing all sides of a story. Lexington residents are frequently an important facet of stories we put together. When local citizens become silent on an issue they were previously passionate about as soon as the camera or tape recorder rolls, they do themselves a disservice by not letting their voices be heard.
Throughout the term, and even in our explanations of the inner workings of The Rockbridge Report, we talk about the importance of cultivating sources. Allowing us to share your voice in a story also validates the concerns you citizens bring to the table. The whole purpose of the press is to enforce the democratic process. Our stories make better sense when we can include voices of the public.
As The Rockbridge Report ends this term, I look back at how far our small news organization has come, and appreciate everyone who took the time to work with us while our reporters developed their stories. Helping them helps the nation’s journalistic future.
Signing Off,
Anne Vesoulis
