Douglas S. Heizer
After a brief hiatus to serve as Rotary District Governor, I’m excited to return to my column, this time with a deeper understanding of our community—not just in Boca Raton, but across all the areas I served. My journey as District Governor allowed me to connect with so many amazing people and organizations, all of whom share a commitment to making our communities stronger. It was like a community-themed reality show, but with fewer dramatic confrontations and more heartwarming moments!
As we dive into Boca Chamber Festival Days, we’re reminded of the rich tapestry of events that make Boca Raton such a vibrant place to live and work. Boca Chamber Festival Days is a month-long series of events held every August, organized by the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce. These events bring together local businesses and nonprofit organizations to create and host activities that raise awareness and funds for important causes in our community. There is something for everyone, and each event contributes to the fabric of our community. Learn more here.
Covering all these events is our goal, but as a local newspaper, this comes with significant costs. Not only do we incur the expenses of reporting, photographing, and writing about these events, but we are also often charged to participate in the very events we cover. It’s like being asked to buy a ticket to a concert you’re supposed to review—fun, but with a bit of a financial twist. Should we consider becoming a nonprofit just to keep up with these expenses? Or maybe just ask for a subscription to “Free News Coverage” as a new trend?
This brings me to an important topic: the evolving landscape of local journalism.
In an era dominated by global news giants and 24/7 information cycles, the importance of local journalism often gets overlooked. Yet, as Ken Doctor notes in Newsonomics: Twelve New Trends That Will Shape the News You Get, local newspapers hold a unique and vital place in our media ecosystem. We provide the in-depth, community-focused reporting that larger outlets can’t, fostering a sense of identity and belonging among our readers. It’s like being the neighborhood watch of news—keeping an eye on what matters most locally!
This is where local newspapers like The Boca Raton Tribune shine- our motto is “Your Closest Neighbor”. Our mission is to serve the Boca Raton community with news that matters—from local government decisions to community events, our coverage is about more than just informing; it’s about connecting people with their surroundings.
Seth Godin, in his book The Dip, emphasizes the importance of perseverance and commitment in reaching success. For local newspapers, this means staying the course even when challenges arise. While the media landscape is evolving, our commitment to serving our community remains steadfast. Godin’s insights remind us that sticking with our mission through inevitable challenges will lead to long-term growth and relevance.
Local newspapers are not just about delivering news; they are about cultivating a community, offering a platform for local voices, and providing educational opportunities. This is why we’re proud to offer internships to aspiring journalists in partnership with local colleges like FAU (Florida Atlantic University), Lynn University, and Palm Beach State College. These collaborations give students real-world experience that they might not get elsewhere, and maybe even teach them that a good coffee maker is an essential newsroom tool. Interested in an internship? Apply here.
As we move forward, we at The Boca Raton Tribune remain committed to our role as a cornerstone of the community, ensuring that we continue to serve with the same dedication and integrity that our readers have come to expect. We also hope that our community understands that even though we’re passionate about our work, we could always use a little support to keep the wheels turning smoothly.
Hope to see you next week, or anytime during our frenzy of events! Now I need to run to celebrate my 39th anniversary before Dini gets mad !
