The value of local news

The Seattle Times announced this week that it is cutting its staff and also is closing its Eastside bureau here in Bellevue.

Bellevue Reporter readers might wonder if the same thing is happening here.

In a word: No.

The Bellevue Reporter has no plans to cut back. In fact, we hope to do more.

What sets us apart from other media in this area is that we specialize in covering Bellevue. The reason is simple. It’s easy to get national, international or regional news from many places. The internet in particular is a quick and convenient way to keep up on what’s going on out there in the big, wide world.

However, we’re convinced our readers care equally about what’s going on in their city and neighborhood. That’s what we cover and what we deliver to you twice a week.

If you’re looking for Bellevue news, it’s easy to find in the Bellevue Reporter. It’s on page 1. It’s also on page 2, 3, 4 … well, you get the picture.

We also cover the everyday activities of average people. You know – like you and us. We have:

– Stories about what’s new in the city.

– Features on your friends and neighbors.

– Sports coverage on more than just the major-league teams.

– A community calendar that’s devoted to Bellevue happenings.

There’s also a variety of advertisements by local merchants, people who live here where they work. They’re you’re neighbors, too.

“Tip” O’Neill, a longtime Speaker of the House in the U.S. Congress, once declared, “All politics is local.” A similar statement might be made for news.

Yes, national and world issues in are important. But you can find stories about those anywhere. What we think is equally important is how you and your friends are dealing with local issues. We also think it’s better to tell you about a new restaurant or business in Bellevue than about the latest hot spot or trend in Ballard or West Seattle.

Does that make us provincial? Hardly.

It means we care about things here in our own backyard. Just like you.

Covering the news

A caller left several voice messages asking why we haven’t had anything about the shortfall facing the Bellevue School District.

Actually, we have reported on the situation – several times, in fact. One of the stories came from a school board meeting. Another was a column by reporter Carrie Wood, who talked with some of the educators impacted by the board’s decision to cut positions to help balance the budget.

We would have told the caller this, but she didn’t leave a name or phone number. Perhaps this will reassure her.