After reading Don Fischer’s eulogy for the Goulburn Post (Letters, June 20), I’m reminded of John O’Brien’s classic poem, (We’ll All Be Rooned) Said Hanrahan.
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You have to accept, Don, that the world is constantly changing. We all remember when Saturday’s Sydney Morning Herald was so hefty, you needed a wheelbarrow to get it home; or, if you had it home delivered and your dog was in the front yard, a direct hit could send Fido to the promised land.
The adverts for property, cars and jobs have migrated to the internet and the Herald is no longer slaying dogs, but is still Australia’s premier newspaper.
Likewise, strong regional newspapers like the Goulburn Post will remain viable for years to come if only because there’s no alternative. People want local news.
However, the old hip pocket nerve is always the best incentive. America’s Notre Dame University recently reported on a study by their College of Business that concluded that when a local newspaper folds, governments become less efficient because without a newspaper looking over their shoulder they spend more and achieve less.
In other words, if Louise Thrower didn’t sit through so many interminable council meetings, your rates would probably be higher and there would be more potholes! Buying the Post actually saves you money.
Peter Riley, Penrith