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th ei fp .c a Th e IF P -H al to n H ill s | T hu rs da y, N ov em be r 22 ,2 01 8 | 6 ABOUT US This newspaper, published every Thursday, is a division of the Metroland Media Group Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation. The Metroland family of newspapers is comprised of more than 80 community publications across Ontario. This newspaper is a member of the National NewsMedia Council. Complainants are urged to bring their concerns to the attention of the news- paper and, if not satisfied, write The National NewsMedia Council, Suite 200, 890 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4W 2H2. Phone: 416-340-1981 Web: www.mediacouncil.ca newsroom@theifp.ca IndependentAndFreePress @IFP_11 WHO WE ARE Publisher Kelly Montague Regional General Manager Steve Foreman Regional Director of Media Holly Chriss Regional Managing Editor Catherine O'Hara Managing Editor Karen Miceli Distribution Representative Iouliana Polar Classified/Real Estate Kristie Pells Regional Production Manager Manuel Garcia Production Shelli Harrison Halton Media General Manager Vicki Dillane CONTACT US The Independent & Free Press 280 Guelph Street, Unit 77 Georgetown, ON L7G 4B1 Phone: 905-873-0301 Classifieds: 905-234-1016 Fax: 905-873-0398 Letters to the editor All letters must be fewer than 200 words and include your name and telephone number for verification purposes. We reserve the right to edit, con- dense or reject letters. Delivery For all delivery inquiries, please e-mail lpolar@miltoncana- dianchampion.com or call 905- 234-1019. OPINION TO LEARN HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR OWN CONTENT VISIT THEIFP.CA EDITORIAL The so-called digital age has brought us access to an abundance of news. But with all that information at our fingertips comes an equally unprecedented amount of misinformation, creating a system where trust can get lost. The recent rallying cry of "fake news" only adds more confusion as it provokes suspicion and discredits legiti- mate media. These types of tactics are not new. The history of news media is filled with deadly disagree- ments and presses confiscated by authorities (or mobs), tossed in waterways or set ablaze. Newspapers are an integral part of society, taking on the role of being an active and trusted participant in the daily lives of its neighbours with a truthful account of the day's events. The need for such information has not changed with the advent of the digital age. In fact, it has become even more important in a world where an abundance of unre- liable information is found, shared and circulated at the speed of a click of a button. Now, more than ever, there is a need for compelling, engaging, unique, relevant, and above all, trustworthy sources of information. Ultimately, it's about maintaining trust with our customers. Trust is not about blind faith or agreeing with every- thing we publish. It is about giving you the tools you need to make a good, informed judgment about the value we provide. It is about us being transparent, honest, reliable and responsive so you know - really know - who we are, what we do and how we do it. Our newsrooms are comprised of trained journalists who follow journalistic standards, which the public can view at any time on our website. We are committed to accuracy. If there is an error - and sometimes there are, because journalists are human and humans are fallible - we will correct the public re- cord. We very publicly admit our mistakes. We are also a member of the National NewsMedia Council, a self-regulatory ethics body that promotes ethical practices and deals with public complaints re- garding media coverage. Despite this, sometimes it seems journalists work under a shroud of mystery. We want to lift that veil. We have launched a trust initiative to tell you who we are and how and why we do what we do. Just as government transparency and accountability are vital components to any working democracy, so too is a free, responsible and responsive press built on trust. We welcome your questions and value your com- ments. Email our trust committee at trust@metro- land.com. TRUST AND TRANSPARENCY MATTER It's about trust. Our rela- tionship with our readers is built on transparency, hon- esty and integrity. As such, we have launched a trust ini- tiative to tell you who we are and how and why we do what we do. This article is part of that project. I like to think community newspapers and their read- ers have a mutually benefi- cial relationship, even a partnership. Editors, reporters and photographers get the privilege of telling stories about the people, places and events that shape our towns and cities. Meanwhile, readers get to be in the know about the goings-on right outside their door and hopefully find in- formation that helps them in their daily lives. Recently during National Newspaper Week, we shone a spotlight on our publica- tions and told you why they matter now more than ever. This week I am putting in my own two cents' worth, and in doing so, I ask you to imagine your town/city without a community news- paper. How would you know what went on at town coun- cil Monday night? What was that heavy police presence up the street last night? What's the entertainment lineup for ribfest this year? Whether the news is about a road closure, 10 events this weekend, or the newly-proposed develop- ment in downtown, there is no substitute for a local paper. Local newspapers are re- flections of their communi- ties - the interests, concerns and passions of their resi- dents. They touch our lives and remind us of how vital our small and immediate world is. And as much as we want to drive home a message that newspapers matter, we also know we are nothing if we are not read. We know we have amaz- ing, loyal readers, and it even goes beyond that - where we form what I con- sider to be a partnership. Many of you take the time to contact us with your story ideas as well as make sure we are on top of break- ing news, and even let us know when we did some- thing you didn't like. That reader engagement is key in a successful com- munity newspaper. So let's keep our partnership going strong. Together we will ensure community newspapers ar- rive at your doorstep for years to come. Karen Miceli is manag- ing editor of Metroland Media's Halton Division newspapers - The Burling- ton Post, Oakville Beaver, Milton Canadian Champi- on and Flamborough Re- view. She can be reached at kmiceli@metroland.com and 289-293-0616. We wel- come your questions and value your comments. Email our trust committee at trust@metroland.com. THANK YOU FOR READING LOCAL NEWSPAPERS REMIND US HOW VITAL OUR SMALL WORLD IS, WRITES MICELI KAREN MICELI Column