CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Noting that “when you hold your local newspaper in your hands — whether in print or on a mobile device — you hold a powerful tool to inform and inspire,” Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin this week proclaimed Oct. 4-10 as National Newspaper Week in West Virginia.
Tomblin’s declaration comes as part of a national celebration of the 75th anniversary of National Newspaper Week. Tomblin’s signed proclamation was presented to the staff of the West Virginia Press Association at the WVPA office in Charleston today (Friday, Oct. 9, 2015).
“For centuries in towns and cities across North America, local newspapers have served as watchdogs for the public good and as a powerful connection between citizens and the communities around them …,” Gov. Tomblin said in the proclamation, noting in this digital age, the newspapers’ audience has never been greater, with millions of readers in print, online and via mobile.
“The West Virginia newspaper industry is honored and greatly appreciative of this recognition,” said Ed Dawson, WVPA president and editor and publisher of The Herald Dispatch in Huntington, “Especially as it comes from Gov. Tomblin, who has supported openness and transparency in government. Gov. Tomblin has worked with the media to help provide the citizens of West Virginia with news and vital information. The office of the Governor has been a leader in granting greater public and media access to state government.”
The 75th anniversary of National Newspaper Week, Gov. Tomblin said, “… underscores the impact of newspapers to communities large and small and allow us to salute the men and women who work hard to bring us the news.”
Dawson said it’s the employees at the newspapers who make the newspaper industry a vital part of the West Virginia marketplace.
“In addition to protecting the public interest and providing a marketplace of ideals and commerce, the state’s newspaper industry also represents thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in economic impact with operations in all 55 counties,” Dawson said. “On behalf of each subscriber, advertiser, carrier and newspaper employee, the West Virginia Press Association thanks Gov. Tomblin for this recognition.”
