I’d be more interested in paying (again) for a local newspaper subscription if there was more in the way of newspeople asking questions.
Elimination of reader comments also works against the idea of paying for an online subscription.
October 28, 2020 The Seattle Times
Report released by Sen. Maria Cantwell slams Google and Facebook for decimating local news outlets
“Local journalism has been the policeman on the beat against misinformation,” Cantwell said in an interview Tuesday. “Keeping local news is too important to let these unfair market practices continue.”
Misinformation or just avoiding reports on various topics?
Zero Questions/Zero Curiosity from Newspeople
Local press:
“For the past couple of years, the Whidbey News-Times paid the insurance for the Veterans Day Parade, about $200, because it was a small way of saying thank you to the men and women who sacrificed so that we may have our liberties, including our Freedom of Speech.”
Were US troops sent to Vietnam so that Americans could be free to send letters to the editor?
Is there any case in which the US Armed Forces have been sent to distant lands on a mission to protect freedom of speech?
Is protecting freedom of speech even part of training scenarios?
Military Town – Hometown Pride
Several Whidbey beaches remain closed all year long for recreational shellfish harvest because of sewage treatment outfall.
Sewage treatment outfall. Not stormwater.
Reporting on this topic appears to be completely off limits to the press.
Image above: 10/29/2020
Source: Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map
Click image to enlarge.
Has anyone ever seen the Puget Sound area press ask questions about Whidbey water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls?
Has anyone ever seen any government agency, elected official or volunteer organization seeking answers related to one or more sewage treatment plants sending unsafe product into the waters near Whidbey Island?
Coupeville – just west of Captain Thomas Coupe Park
“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”
“This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”
Source: WDFW
North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing
“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”
“This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”
Source: WDFW
More here:
Whidbey Waters – Mixed Signals of Concern
“…talking to officials at the Town of Coupeville…”
Distance learning idea:
Podcast 4 Another Month With An R – Whidbey Sewage Treatment Plant Outfalls
Newspeople need to step up their game.
The Press Is Weak – Newspaper Revenue Down Compared To 20 Years Ago
Journalism Needs Our Support Now, More Than Ever
4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On
Manage it, don’t ban it. Online comment sections
Ready to Support Local News on Whidbey Island
WA Voting – Did the science say marijuana jobs were essential?
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Photo-
Coupeville/Penn Cove is on the eastern shore of Whidbey Island-no ferry link to Port Townsend exists there.
“Keystone terminal gives way to ‘Coupeville’ ferry”
“The name change will help eliminate confusion visitors may find when they research ways to travel to Whidbey Island.”
Don’t book a bed and breakfast stay in Coupeville and plan to walk from the ferry terminal to your accommodations.
Ferry Traffic Leaving Coupeville Terminal Routed Away From Coupeville