COVID-19, the coronavirus now labeled a pandemic, is disrupting lives, causing cancellations, and dominating the news. There is a massive amount of information coming at all of us about it. Unfortunately, there is also a massive amount of DIS-information coming at us: rumors, fake cures, bad advice, and even hackers using it to infect our computers.
As we deal with all of the above, one of the key things you should do is support trusted sources of information. In addition to the state’s excellent web site, there are other good channels of information you can use. BUT, unlike the state’s site, those channels are not supported by taxes. Instead, each of these are supported by YOUR direct support. So, if you want to stay informed, and you want solid information, here’s what you should do:
Put your money into these important sources of information.
Subscribe to your local newspaper. Newspapers have been struggling for a while, and especially since Facebook and Google vacuumed up most of the advertising dollars. While most broadcast outlets do not rely on subscriptions, newspapers do. And, your local newspaper is an important source of local news, including news that is too long or complex to fit into a newscast from another city — as well as being an important transparency check on your local government. So, find the subscription page for your local newspaper, and subscribe.
Support your local public radio station. Public radio stations rely on member subscriptions to survive financially. They are non-profit, non-partisan, and most do a great job of covering the news. If you have one in your part of the state, become a member so it can be strong.
Support the KY Center for Investigative Reporting. KYCIR specializes in long-form investigative reporting, and thus provide a valuable service to our state. They have broken a number of major stories, almost all of which have caused changes to public policy or practices. Support them here.
Subscribe to either or both of the state’s big newspapers. In addition to subscribing to your local paper, you should subscribe to the Courier-Journal, the Herald-Leader, or both. It is important to have these two large operations continue to be strong and vital. They have the staff and the resources to both cover the big stories and to DO the big stories. I subscribe to both, and if you can, you should do the same.
— Courier-Journal subscription page
— Herald-Leader subscription page
Become a member of Forward Kentucky. We are a small shop, trying to have a big voice, but we can only do it with the financial support of our members. We don’t have advertising, we don’t get grants – it’s all supported by the people who join. If you want to see us grow, then become a member. Join Forward Kentucky here.
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There you have it. If you want to stay informed about COVID-19 — or anything else — these are your best sources. Support them so they can continue to support you.
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