The origins and purpose of Peninsula News
The idea of starting a newspaper just for the Woy Woy Peninsula on the NSW Central Coast arose from early meetings of the Peninsula Community Forum.
The community forum was formed of representatives of all significant organisations active on the Peninsula to discuss issues facing the community.
During discussions, it soon became apparent that many individuals and groups were active but were unaware of each other. They also had difficulty letting the community know about their activities.
One participant noted that he was new to the area but, where he came from, the role was served by the local paper.
It became evident that the existing suburban papers were regional, rather than local, in nature and did not provide the possibility of a comprehensive local coverage.
In addition to communication needs within the community, a number of important developments were planned for the Peninsula by Gosford Council as well as the private sector. These represented investments of many millions of dollars and had long-term implications for our lifestyle on the Peninsula.
A major deficiency in our social infrastructure was identified and the forum encouraged Mark Snell to pursue his idea of establishing a community-based newspaper.
He believed that a newspaper was needed that was a rich information source and provided the community with the opportunity to discuss topical issues. He felt the area was already well served with advertising media and material with an emphasis on entertainment.
It was with this background that a newspaper association was formed with an aim to provide a newspaper that was conscious of its community development role.
Unique features
The vision for the composition of Peninsula News was unique in a number of respects.
With an emphasis on news rather than advertising, it would reverse the normal advertising ratio of 75%.
Budgets were prepared that showed production of a newspaper with a 25% advertising ratio was possible.
The quarter-fold (half-tabloid) presentation, the five-column format, the smaller than usual headline type size all differentiate Peninsula News from other newspapers.
Unlike the suburban papers, this paper would rely on council stories as its major news source, rather than the police and courts.
It was felt that news of plans being made for our future as revealed at Council meetings reinforced the social health of our community and engendered a positive attitude towards our community and our collective future.
This was in contrast to continuing stories that highlight the occurrence of crime, the more negative elements of our community and a spectator mentality rather than encouraging participation in controlling our own destiny.
Community ownership
This sense of community ownership and involvement was to be embodied in the operation of the newspaper itself.
It would be owned by a community-based incorporated non-profit association, with membership open to all residents of the Peninsula.
The association would license the sales and marketing elements of the newspaper to a commercial operator, while retaining control of policy of the paper and supplying the newspaper's editor.
The structure ensures that the newspaper is responsive to community needs and more answerable to the community for its operation.
Under the licence, the operator must supply news coverage of Gosford Council meetings with the remainder of the paper being filled with community contribution.
The paper actively encourages all groups and individuals on the Peninsula to contribute their news, opinions and items of interest for publication.
It also encourages voluntary involvement in all aspects of its production.
The paper continues to attract volunteers with a range of experience: School students seeking work experience, journalism graduates wanting to break into the industry have all worked with Peninsula News.
Even the editing and proof-reading of the newspaper are undertaken on a voluntary basis.
But volunteers have not been limited to literary fields. Work undertaken by community members has ranged from typing to computer configuration and programming.
Editorial policy
The newspaper's editorial policy reflects a desire to reinforce the Peninsula's sense of community.
To qualify for publication, articles must have specific relevance to the Peninsula. For example, they must be about activities or events happening on the Peninsula or be organised by or involving Peninsula people.
The newspaper is not regional or national in nature, so regional or national issues will not be canvassed except as they affect the Peninsula.
Regional sports will only be covered from the perspective of Peninsula clubs. Regional plans will only be aired in the context of their ramifications for the Peninsula.
Peninsula News aims to mention as many members of the Peninsula community as possible.
Readability and composition
To ensure that the newspaper serves its purpose, it must be readable and represent the interests and activities of the community in its content.
Contributions to the paper are edited to consistent standards of readability. Guidelines are available for intending contributors.
All items will be dated and most will be attributed a source or author.
The future
Peninsula News is not home-delivered, yet it is keenly sought after for its news content as much as for its advertisements.
As we go beyond our first 18 months of existence, there is increasing pressure for the paper to be home delivered and be published more frequently.
The existence of Peninsula News has had a positive effect on the nature of our community over the last 18 months.
Among the benefits, people tell us they are more aware of Council activities and decisions.
They say they feel less isolated in their efforts to improve our quality of life.
The newspaper's existence offers our community the opportunity to become more informed about issues affecting our future. It provides the opportunity to recognise our differences, value our diversity and to build on our common aspirations.
Mark Snell, 18 Aug 2000