TAt the Nebraska Press Association’s annual convention in April, Gov. Jim Pillen issued an in-person special proclamation designating the week of June 26-30, as Community Newspaper Week in Nebraska. In addition, the Nebraska Legislature adopted Legislative Resolution 87 to congratulate NPA on its Sesquicentennial year. It was introduced by Speaker John Arch.

The proclamation includes the following information and history. In 1873, the Nebraska Press Association was organized to promote and protect the journalistic and business interests of community newspapers. In its first 50-year history, from its membership would come three persons who would serve as governor of the state of Nebraska, two presidential candidates, numerous U.S. Cabinet positions and ambassadorships, and Pulitzer Prize winners.

Nebraska’s newspapers are the first draft of history for the communities they serve through news coverage of local people, issues, events, schools, churches, civic organizations, business community, personal achievements and milestones, births, deaths and weddings. Nebraska newspapers serve as the watchdogs on all persons of authority, elected officials, and tax supported entities, promoting transparency and government responsibility.

Nebraska newspapers foster local debate on issues at the local, state and national levels, which serves as the foundation for our democracy. Nebraska newspapers are evolving, reaching expanded audiences across platforms such as online, social media and mobile devices. Nebraska newspapers are strong contributors to the local and state economy.

“The Nebraska Press Association has achieved a significant milestone in this year 2023, that being its 150th anniversary year, making it one of the oldest associations in Nebraska. I, Jim Pillen, Governor of the State of Nebraska, do hereby proclaim the week of June 26-30, 2023, as Community Newspaper Week in Nebraska, and I do hereby urge all citizens to read their local newspaper and recognize the important role newspapers have in our communities.”