The Columbian may have a vested interest in pointing out the value of local news. But readers have a vested interest as well, whether they realize it or not.
We are inundated with propaganda intent on manipulating us to buy something or to vote one way or another. The level of sophistication these efforts have achieved has grown exponentially with all the data available to marketing and political researchers found on social and other media sites. We provide them with enough information to generate an advertisement in our Facebook page based on the last thing we looked at on Amazon or an internet search.
Those with an interest in shaping (or tearing down) our nation are using the same techniques. The real news media, including local newspapers, are the last line of defense against truly “fake” news. Do they get it wrong sometimes? You bet. But at least they are guided by an effort to get the facts right.
If you don’t know what a “sock puppet” blog is — look it up. Some people and other governments are intent on manipulating our democracy. Legitimate news outlets are our best method of getting real news — not sleazy ad campaigns.
