Ottawa News Network to host listening tour event in Holland

Ottawa News Network is continuing its show on the road with its next listening tour stop.

Ottawa News Network to host listening tour event in Holland

OTTAWA COUNTY — Ottawa News Network is continuing its show on the road with its next listening tour stop.

The countywide nonprofit news organization is conducting a listening tour around the county this year to hear from residents and share more information about ONN and its mission.

The next event is scheduled for 7-8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3, at Holland Museum, 31 W. 10th St.

ONN's mission is to fill the void left by traditional media’s declining coverage of hyperlocal news.

ONN Board of Directors Chair Clay Stauffer said a stark decline in local news coverage highlighted the need for a nonprofit news model in Ottawa County.

“In the past 20 years local news coverage nationwide has become increasingly sparse as local newspapers wither,” Stauffer said. “By the end of this year, one-third of U.S. newspapers will have disappeared since 2005. In the past year alone, 127 newspapers have closed nationwide. Civic trust and engagement suffer when people know less and less about what’s going on locally. Even in areas with surviving newspapers local coverage has been reduced as newspapers struggle to survive."

Stauffer said that decline threatens the bedrock of how democracy is intended to function in the United States.

"Without timely, accurate information about city and country affairs residents have few ways to stay involved and engaged with their fellow community members. ONN is dedicated to reversing this trend here by reinvigorating local journalism to help area residents stay engaged with and informed about local government and their communities,” he said. “ONN is dedicated to the ethical, trustworthy journalism Ottawa County residents need to stay engaged and involved with their communities."

The listening tour will allow residents to provide input on what they would like to see in their local news coverage as well as the topics and issues they find most important.


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Ottawa News Network is a nonprofit news service dedicated to providing the residents of Ottawa County with trustworthy, community-driven news. ONN treats journalism as a public good — something that enriches lives and empowers Ottawa County’s 300,000-plus residents to stay engaged, make informed decisions, and strengthen local democracy. Please consider giving today.


Executive Editor Sarah Leach and ONN board members will be on hand to lead the discussion.

The organization's first listening tour event in Grand Haven drew 30 participants. ONN will share the results of the listening tour as reader feedback will help inform coverage priorities, Leach said.

Future events will be announced as they are scheduled throughout the county, Leach said.

“It’s so important for the people who ultimately consume the information media gives them to be able to provide feedback, suggestions, criticism and insight,” she said. “We’re here to serve you and you should absolutely have a seat at that table.”

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