Numerous recent prompts have inspired ponderings about the media, its role and its changing nature. On the one hand, mass media has become centrally controlled in a way that was once considered treacherous, while at the same time, everyone with access to social media has their own personal platform. Truth was always a malleable concept but now it is optional. Critical thinking has had to become more critical and as Abraham Lincoln famously said: “Don’t believe everything you read on the internet.” As more and more printed newspapers across the country fold (pun sadly noted), it is a good time to consider why the TT [Tarrangower Times] presses on (there’s another).
The purpose of the paper
With all this in mind, what is the purpose of the Tarrangower Times? The people who make this hyper-local, community-focused publication think and talk about this often: the answer evolves. The TT [Tarrangower Times] attempts to keep residents in the loop about activities, emergencies, disruptions, changes and announcements, naturally; but surely the mode of delivery amounts to something. You could find these pieces of information online but the TT [Tarrangower Times] gathers it all in a central place and — hopefully — speaks to you with a local’s perspective and understanding. The TT [Tarrangower Times] tries to answer your questions before you ask them; it aims for a positive and socially cohesive angle (in contrast to some online platforms that shall remain un-named) and endeavours to create a space for healthy conversations instead of argy-bargy. There’s also room for content that is simply fun, interesting or joyous. Plus, you can read it over a cuppa, IRL (In Real Life), together.
Great responsibility
The are many things that the TT [Tarrangower Times] chooses not to print including rumours, unfounded allegations and stories featuring people just having a bad day. The TT [Tarrangower Times] strives towards measured, balanced, reliable reporting. The paper is under-resourced but still aims to check multiple sources as appropriate and provide direct quotes. (By the way, if the TT [Tarrangower Times] quotes someone it doesn’t mean that person is correct or that the TT [Tarrangower Times] agrees).
Research from Charles Darwin University (interestingly, using AI tools) shows that some proliferating extremist views and distrust are caused or reinforced by “fabricated stories, cherry-picked evidence, and inflammatory language.” The studies show how fear-based language and a spotlight on identity can drive division. The TT’s [Tarrangower Times] approach of seeking multiple views and encouraging engagement is intended to counter these issues.
As for bias in reporting, it’s difficult to avoid when humans are involved and it’s important to acknowledge this. The TT [Tarrangower Times] chooses what to include and how to present with the aim to include information that it thinks is of interest and value to readers. Thus, values sometimes align (the TT [Tarrangower Times] and its contributors are members of this community too) but not always. In most cases within the paper’s reportage, the voice and opinions of writers are not featured; situations or sources are let to speak for themselves. If you don’t like it, write a Letter to the Editor!
Place-based press
The local nature of the TT [Tarrangower Times] is surely its biggest strength and it makes our community a better place to live: ‘Keeping up with the locals’ is not just a catchy tagline. TT [Tarrangower Times] stories are for and about its readers and community interactions help to drive the paper’s content each week. The TT [Tarrangower Times] also appreciates community members, groups and businesses who understand that their financial contributions, including regular purchases of the paper, help to maintain the quality and continued existence of the Tarrangower Times. However, the TT [Tarrangower Times] remains proudly independent.
The truth isn’t out there
Sorry Mulder, but there often isn’t just one ‘truth’ and it certainly won’t be handed to anyone in an X-file. That doesn’t mean that the TT [Tarrangower Times] will be offering ‘alternative facts’ or running ‘fake news’, but it does mean that there are multiple sides to any story.
There is a fantastic proverb shared broadly online that is credited to the Japanese: “If you believe everything you read, better not read,” but a credible source could not be found, so don’t take any notice of it.
Instead readers are assured that the TT [Tarrangower Times] is committed to striving and improving or as the Japanese say:…
This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 28 February 2025.