Parma Observer Is 7 Years Old

Parma Observer Publisher Daniel P. McCarthy accepting the Parma Area Chamber of Commerce 2016 Special Recognition Award on behalf of the Parma Observer. 

Here we are 7 years into the Parma Observer Project, bringing citizen powered media to Parma, Parma Heights and Seven Hills since 2009. Something to consider: In 1980 there were over 50 major media outlets- today there are but 6. Fact is, independent media is the only place that average citizens can hope to have their uncensored voices heard by the public, and we are ever mindful of that. 

Once in awhile, events occur which remind me that we still have work to do when it comes to helping people in our community realize that the Parma Observer is indeed a resource and a platform for their unique opinions to be revealed to their fellow citizens, including the leaders of their cities. A few weeks ago I received a voicemail message from a gentleman who declined to leave his name or any way that we could reach him. He seemed upset and more than a little disappointed. He had read a story submitted by one of our regular volunteer citizen journalists which he disagreed vehemently with. He demanded to know why we had not chosen to publish an opposite point of view, a different point of view; in other words, his point of view. He lamented that he wasn't reading a story in the paper which reflected what he thought to be true, then he ended the call by strongly disparaging the writer, our paper, and myself (don't worry, I can take it). Something tells me that he won't exactly be thrilled with the story submitted by the same writer in this issue of the Parma Observer either.

Had we actually conversed, I would have gladly informed him that we are a completely different form of media than he may be used to, that being the kind which merely publishes carefully constructed pieces written by professional journalists. I'm not sure, but he doesn't seem to realize that because we publish the work of volunteer citizen journalists, he can easily submit his very own viewpoint in a rationally written form, and it stands an excellent chance of being printed and thereby shared with the rest of the community. 

I've noticed something else- in this issue a writer has submitted a piece in which he argues against the Parma City School District Board and urges voters to vote "no' on the upcoming renewal levy on November 8. Missing is even a shred of input whatsoever from any member of the school district who would presumably speak in favor of voting for the levy. Why is this? The past Superintendent on a regular basis submitted material as a way of informing tax payers of the needs and plans of the Parma City School District. The fact that readers this month will only hear one side of the issue during one of the most trying and difficult times for our school district is a responsibility shouldered by the other side, who has chosen to remain silent as well.

We believe that by shining a light on and featuring the thoughts and opinions of as many community members as possible, local media rises to the level where it is most important- creating a civic discourse which actually leads to constructive, positive change. This is at the very heart of our mission. We were honored to receive the Parma Area Chamber of Commerce 2016 Special Recognition Award earlier this year, and it says that we must be on the right track when we have been singled out by the vanguard of the business community. It has been my extreme pleasure to be associated with this ongoing effort in this community which I have spent my entire life in. Here's to 7 more years!

Daniel P. McCarthy

I am the publisher of the Parma Observer. Lifetime resident of Parma for over 50 years.

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Volume 8, Issue 10, Posted 6:59 AM, 10.03.2016