Sept. 28 is World News Day, and its message, “trusted journalism matters,” feels more apt now than at any time in recent history.
Artificial intelligence, misinformation, disinformation, debates over who should and should not have access to our government, and looming elections, among other things, highlight the importance of ensuring that independent, accurate information about each level of government is being provided to us — by humans and for humans.
While we may currently be seeing tiffs between the press and politicians playing out on a much larger stage and within the federal courts, its important to realize battles for information and adherence to law are also occurring at local levels in communities throughout our state and nation. Citizens and media regularly battle via the courts and through discussions with local officials to help ensure information is available and government officials are following the laws.
They’re seeking to ensure that democracy prevails at all levels.
Independent, accurate information through trusted journalism is also critical to maintaining democracy.
In a world where facts are treated as optional by some and social media favors divisiveness, it’s important to have trusted local journalism — by humans and for humans — to turn to.
Since 1909, The SUN has sought to do just that.
Our upcoming election in particular is a big one, both locally and at the state and federal levels. There are a lot of facts and opinions bouncing around.
Its imperative, now and always, that we head into the next election armed with knowledge, not conjecture, and with facts, not conspiracy theories being spouted across places like social media.
It’s also important to understand that logical people can reach different conclusions and opinions when given the same facts, as can be seen fairly regularly in our letters section (as well as throughout life).
The SUN values and welcomes that diversity of opinion. Through our letters to the editor, we aim to provide an open forum for responsible discussion of issues that are important to our community, and to perhaps spur on additional thoughts, questions and research as we all strive to make up our minds about the many ballot questions and measures.
As we move further into the this election season, we would like to offer a reminder that The SUN will not accept political letters relating to an election within three editions prior to that election.
That means Oct. 15 is the last day letters regarding the Nov. 3 election will appear in The SUN.
We also offer a few other reminders concerning letters to the editor:
We cannot guarantee that every submission will be published, but know we work hard to ensure fairness in considering each submission.
Submissions that exceed the 500-word limit or are not accompanied by the letter writer’s name, address and phone number will not be considered. Please note the address and phone number are for verification purposes and are not printed. Anonymous letters will not be accepted.
No more than two submissions per letter writer per month will be considered.
We do not accept submissions from candidates.
All submissions should be transparent about any relationship (personal, professional or political) between the author and candidate or issue being discussed.
Personal attacks on private citizens will be removed or may mean the letter is not printed.
Letters quoting other people must contain attribution.
Letters may be submitted for consideration via pagosasun.com/forms/letters/ or emailed to editor@pagosasun.com by noon on Tuesday for that Thursday’s issue.
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