Posted by
ricaler on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 8:53:19 PM
Merchants on the square are considerably upset with "The Salem Leader", our town's only newspaper. The back story is this. The local businesses along with the Chamber of Commerce have sponsored a Christmas parade for several of the past years. Attendance has dwindled so they got together to come up with a different approach. An idea was struck along the lines of "Christmas on the Square" where businesses would remain open into the evening, the exterior decorative lights would be turned on, Santa would be available, food, drink, special coffees would be available in order to produce a family friendly atmosphere and encourage some shoppers. Some were concerned in the meeting that the promotion be handled positively or criticism would result. This was explained to reporter Marcia Walker. .....Want to guess the headline? It was as follows, "No Christmas Parade This Year"
Cannot our local press do anything positive? Why do you always have to stir the pot of controversy, Marcia? and editor Stephanie, where has your sense of judgement gone? These people you have upset are the very ones who buy advertising in your paper. Why would any business want to antagonize it's support base? Is it not the merchants choice to try something different? Why not support it with a positive headline such as, "Chistmas Around the Square Coming This Year"? Yes, we know controversy sells papers...at least in the short run, but count the cost of lost respect, perceived lack of ethical integrity, and in time it translates into less readership and lost ad revenue. You know, the things we were taught in kindergarten still rings true. That is, "if you don't have anything good to say, then don't say anything at all'. We want truth, but most of us see through the bias, Marcia. It does not help our businesses, it does not help our community, and in the end it does not help "The Leader"