Good news or bad, a newspaper’s role is consistent, honest

Earlier this month Sen. Forrest Knox, R-Altoona, took issue with newspapers — both local and national — claiming they are hyper-critical of Gov. Sam Brownback in efforts to boost sales.
This “Brownbackophia” is aimed to “engender emotion,” which, Knox says, sends cash registers ringing.
A common adage in the news business is, “If it bleeds, it leads.” Human nature is drawn to tragedy. Not for entertainment, but pathos. Stories and pictures of car accidents, house fires and natural disasters draw our attention if only because so often we think, “but for the grace of God” we, too, could be in that position.
The train wreck of the Kansas economy, however, does not fall in the same category and it’s far-fetched to say its news generates sales.

LONG AGO an avid reader told me she gave the Register short-shrift if its content was all doom and gloom.
“I get so sick of reading news about the bad things people do,” she said.
I took that complaint to heart and ever since have made a conscious effort to make sure the paper does its utmost to shine a positive light on local events.
It’s not the challenge I had expected.
All over town people are doing good deeds, some in small ways, others in leadership roles.
During this time of year with high school and college graduations the paper is overflowing with the news of academic success and athletic prowess.
Such news is a joy to print.
And yet, just like life, the newspaper can’t avoid the flip side.
We also have a purpose in serving the underdog, the marginalized, and providing them a platform to which they would not otherwise have access.
That’s why we write about the homeless, the unemployed or those suffering.
Just as good news builds community, so does that of our less fortunate. We are our brother’s keeper.

SEN. KNOX’S “shoot-the-messenger” attack is a common defense. Of course he doesn’t want the media to shine a light on the state’s struggle to balance the budget or adequately fund schools.
I would argue that armed with that knowledge is what helps us become even more involved as citizens.