Warren Buffett said it well when he invested over $300 million in newspapers several years ago:

“If you want to know what’s going on in your town — whether the news is about the mayor or taxes or high school football — there is no substitute for a local newspaper. Wherever there is a pervasive sense of community, a paper that serves the special informational needs of that community will remain indispensable … papers delivering comprehensive and reliable information to tightly bound communities and having a sensible internet strategy will remain viable for a long time.”

I couldn’t agree with Mr. Buffett more — never has the ability to access news and information been so easy, and yet never has the need to have reliable, trusted articles, well written and well researched, been so essential. People’s lives are busier than ever, and the rise of social media means the landscape is very noisy, but I believe that makes it even more important that people can trust the information our journalists provide. 

I firmly believe that local journalism, when it’s done well, is something with the power to bring communities together. I’m also sure that The Daily Iberian provides a voice and a platform for people and issues which would otherwise not be heard.

We are serious about what we do, and we are amongst the biggest champions of this community. And now we are putting skin in the game.

I very seldom weigh in on political issues, but when we were faced with the decision to raise sales tax to support a local police force, I came out full force in favor. Now, The Daily Iberian is undertaking an initiative to both increase the number of well-informed citizens and help the New Iberia Police Department purchase much-needed tactical equipment.

Beginning today, and through March, The Daily Iberian will donate $10 for each new subscriber. Our goal? We want to reach 1,000 new readers and donate $10,000 to the NIPD.

Chances are if you are reading this you are already a subscriber, but I guarantee you know folks who are not. So please reach out to them to help us strengthen this community.

Subscribing is easy. A digital-only subscription is only $9.99 per month and print plus our full digital suite is only $12.70 per month. You can subscribe at iberianet.com or by calling us at 337-321-6769. When you do, we will make a donation of $10 in your name to the “Next Level Law Enforcement” fund managed by On Tap. We are not asking for a long-term commitment and you can cancel your subscription at any time.

I’m convinced that an informed community is a strong community, and a well policed community is a safe community.

 

CHRISTINA PIERCE is publisher of The Daily Iberian.