Media guide: Vermont villages are publishing boom towns

Vermont Business Magazine, Feb 1994 by Youngwood, Susan

* The growth of community newspapers has occurred primarily around the more urban areas of Burlington and Montpelier-Barre. Daily newspapers have responded by trying to cover more town news. But the minutiae of small town life--ranging from fifth grade honor roll to selectmen's meetings--is where community newspapers shine.

* Journalistic professionalism varies with each paper. Some are run by people with extensive journalism experience who are committed to reporting the news whether its controversial or not. Others are run by community volunteers who do not see their role as exposing scandal.

* Community newspapers almost exclusively concentrate on local news and leave the regional, national, and international coverage to the daily newspapers.

Susan Youngwood is a freelance writer and editor of Vermont Parent & Child.