How The Farmington Mercury Is Saving Local News—And Why It Matters to You
If you’re reading this, you’re someone who wants to know what’s happening in Farmington—not just in a “scroll-and-forget” way. At The Farmington Mercury, we’re dedicated to being more than just another news source. We’re here to bring thoughtful, meaningful journalism back to the heart of our community, and we believe this is the key to saving local news.
Recently, journalist Don Lemon shared his thoughts on the state of media with Dylan Byers on The Grill Room podcast. As a former CNN anchor turned independent broadcaster, Lemon’s experience reflects journalism’s challenges and opportunities today. His call for a more genuine, engaged, and less sensationalist media matches the Mercury’s mission. As he put it, “If we try to have these sanitized conversations where people don’t really get a point across and no one is offended, what are we doing?”
Beyond Headlines: Digging for Depth and Meaning
Lemon pointed out how much today’s media has prioritized shallow stories over meaningful engagement, focusing on “quick clicks rather than real connection.” He explained, “This is journalism. We’re supposed to be reaching people.” At the Mercury, we echo this commitment to reach you with more than clickbait or rush-to-publish updates. Instead, we embrace “slow news,” prioritizing quality, context, and stories that matter to Farmington.
Real Conversations, Not Echo Chambers
Lemon’s recent shift to engaging directly with people on the street reflects a deeper connection to real concerns—a move away from what he calls “the man in the studio” approach. “People want authenticity,” he noted, “they want to be able to touch and interact and have a relationship with the people who are giving them information.”
We share that belief here at The Farmington Mercury. Our goal is to engage in meaningful ways, covering stories rooted in Farmington that avoid the distant, surface-level approach dominating much of today’s media.
Technology as a Tool, Not a Replacement
While technology offers great efficiencies, Lemon cautions that it “cannot replace the human nuance required in storytelling.” Here at the Mercury, we use AI and automation to handle routine tasks, giving our team more time to focus on meaningful, human-centered stories. For us, tech enhances our journalism rather than replacing it.
Supporting Local Businesses Through Real Stories
Lemon spoke about the value of authenticity, noting that readers today are tired of generic ads; they want genuine stories. At the Mercury, we help local businesses connect with our community through story-driven advertising, creating a win-win where our readers see real value and our advertisers engage effectively.
Building Trust Through Privacy and Transparency
Privacy and trust are core values here at the Mercury. We don’t rely on invasive third-party trackers, a choice that echoes Lemon’s concerns about corporate media’s overreliance on “worrying about shareholders or board members.” Our focus is on you—our reader.
The Future of Journalism: Real, Thoughtful, and Community-Focused
Today’s media can feel like “an old Buick in an electric car age,” Lemon noted. But we’re committed to a different future—one that’s authentic, interactive, and community-first. The Farmington Mercury is proud to be leading this shift, with a model built on real engagement, thoughtful storytelling, and connecting with our readers on what matters to them.
Join Us in Building a Better News Ecosystem
Lemon asks the question we all should be asking: “If it doesn’t move you, what are we doing?” At the Mercury, we’re here to be more than just a news source; we’re here to be a voice for Farmington that informs, connects, and challenges. Join us to help build a trusted, meaningful source for the stories that matter most.
Senior Writer, Jack Beckett ☕
At The Farmington Mercury, we know life’s too short for stale headlines or burnt coffee. On our site, you’ll find an aromatic blend of everything local: zoning updates, school board decisions, environmental news from the Farmington Wetlands Committee, and even more on Farmington’s rich history, found here. Need an election fix? Our Election 2024 coverage brings you every vote, insight, and update.
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