Time magazine this week had a cover story that stated “How to save your newspaper?”

We read the article with great interest as we are a community newspaper and what we found was interesting, but did not come close to listing the things that newspapers are most proud of.

Over the last year or so, we have read so many articles that want to put a headstone above the newspaper like we are dead and not as relevant as we have been in the past.

We say shame on those who would believe that notion.

The thought that consumers will not continue to buy the truth, driven by journalists who have both the integrity and high standards set forth by decades of newspaper men and women before them, is preposterous. These historic writers, whose path was built on fact checking, vigilance, and thoughtful preparation of stories, only sought honest and fair reality, while bowing to their own personal opinions on a story.

The truth is what sets newspapers apart.

Web sites, community journalists and blogs are changes that we, as newspapers, are and have been knowingly prepared and embracing the past few years. They do not replace the newspaper, but work with the newspaper to offer different views to add to what newspapers have always wanted: dialogue. Dialogue is the taking part in a conversation between two or more people, often even opposing sides, which will take place about certain events or actions that are going on in the world today.

Dialogue is what newspapers do well. Truthful news and honest dialogue are what newspapers are most proud of. As we scroll through this world of quick sound bites, small pie charts, and two-sentence stories, we need to remember that under this fast-food, quick, short-attention-span media world are stories that needs to be truthful, sincere, and above all, fair.

We believe newspapers’ place will always be with the people who strive to find a fine balance of truth and objectivity. The accuracy and prejudice of the fast-paced world of the modern media cries out and begs for newspapers to never leave or become irrelevant because that would mean that truth itself would be sold to the highest bidder or the fastest blogger.

Maybe that is what the headstone makers want? They want to bury the truth.

Thank you, naysayers, but we newspapers choose to stay and fight for our readers, fight for our dialogue, and fight for the truth.