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The news feed
May 21, 2025
About a year ago, we dropped off some just published copies of The Millerton News for patrons at Irving Farm’s coffee shop on Main Street. It was a Wednesday morning. The papers were fresh off the press, having been driven to The Lakeville Journal offices in Falls Village from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, where they are printed on the presses of The Berkshire Eagle.
Inside Irving Farm, a few papers were placed on tables for anyone to read. A few people reach out to glance at the paper, maybe even pull it closer to read some part of it, then return to their phone. Some will flip through pages, but only to return to their digital news source. Swipe. Swipe. And swipe.
The News, The Journal and The Eagle all thrive today because of readers who want to know what’s happening in their own local communities. Yet it’s a growing fact of life that news readers are turning more and more to digital sources for that news. According to a report this month from the Pew Research Center, while Americans continue to see value in local news, they also prefer news websites or social media to print newspapers — and by a wide margin. From 2018 to 2024, the preference of news websites or social media as Americans’ news sources grew from 37% to 48%. Print newspapers declined from 13% to 9%, and television dropped from 41% to 32%. Radio inched up to 9% from 8%.
The News and The Journal are committed to providing a weekly print product. Our ‘Local Matters’ motto aligns with the Pew Research Center’s finding that the vast majority of Americans see local news as important to the community. In a recent poll, only 15% of respondents answered that local news was either ‘not too important’ or ‘not at all important.’
We also embrace a digital future with enthusiasm. We’ve upgraded our websites and continue a push to keep fresh posts coming on our social media pages. We strive to get news to you when it happens and where you want to read it.
The Pew report notes that most people say local journalists are “in touch” with their communities and perform well at “reporting the news accurately.” In fact, roughly two out of three readers surveyed said local news was being reported accurately, that the most important stories and issues were being covered, that journalists were transparent about their reporting and were keeping an eye on local political leaders.
A relatively small percentage of consumers of local news — 15% — reported that they paid for local news in the past year, and 63% believe that local news outlets are doing well or “somewhat well” financially, even though thousands of newspapers have folded over the past two decades.
We remain a thriving local news source because of the support of our readers, advertisers and donors. Even as readers’ relationship with the delivery of news changes — long gone is the ubiquitous youngster on a bicycle tossing papers on your doorstep — we celebrate the fact that readers see value in what we deliver.
And we are optimistic about the future. This summer, The Millerton News and The Lakeville Journal will sponsor eight journalism interns from high schools and colleges. Demand for these paid positions has steadily grown, and is another indication that local news— in print or online — is here to stay.
So keep that phone charged.
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Partners in life and literature
May 21, 2025
Local authors William and Susan Kinsolving met attendees at a book talk they hosted at the Scoville Memorial Library on May 15.
L. Tomaino
Local authors and married couple William and Susan Kinsolving, each with a new book, gave a book talk at the Scoville Library in Salisbury on May 15.
William Kinsolving, an author of five novels, is also a screenwriter, a Ford Foundation Playwriting Grant recipient, and a critically acclaimed actor and director.His new novel, “Dangerous Times,” delves into the antebellum South, drawing sharp parallels to today’s divided world and shedding light on enduring truths from then and now. Susan Kinsolving’s novel, “The Head’s Tail,” is a witty, irreverent romp through the messy world of prep school drama. It is sharp, funny, and thoroughly entertaining.
Susan is the author of four poetry collections, one of which, “Dailies & Rushes,” was a finalist for The National Book Critics Circle Award. She has taught locally at the Hotchkiss School, as well as at colleges, universities, and a men’s prison.
The evening began with readings from both authors’ books.The Kinsolvings’ cousin, Katy Kinsolving, read Susan’s excerpt.Laughter erupted as the reading progressed and the protagonist, Miranda, embroiled herself further and further into a situation filled with “carnal danger.”
William brought his book to life with a vivid reading, voicing each character with distinct accents and drawing the audience into the antebellum era. Through his performance, the audience was introduced to his character William Fairfield, aide to a senator, who meets President Zachary Taylor.This meeting brings forth issues of the day, including slavery and the deep divisions of the country.
A question-and-answer period followed the reading where the Kinsolvings were asked about their work habits.
Susan answered that William is the disciplined one.William explained, “I go downstairs to my office and shut the door. I don’t hear anything.”He works for six to seven hours a day.
Susan admitted she was more disciplined in writing her novel than when she writes poetry.When writing poems, she takes breaks feeling they “are benefitted by absence.” In contrast, “Prose is not benefitted by absence,” and requires a more consistent schedule.
She added, “When I finally finished “The Head’s Tale,” I really missed my characters” and so, she began another novel, which takes place in the 1960’s.
William is at work on the next book in the series of which “Dangerous Times” is the first.It will deal with the time period of 1851-1856 and “James Buchanan, the second worst president of the United States.”
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