South Africa, July 24 -- So too will failing to take local successes seriously or missing important news. Readers consider their local newspaper theirs and rightly so. They won't hesitate to tap an editor or journalist on the shoulder in the supermarket queue to ask why their community's stories were ignored.

For local journalists, this close relationship with readers is one of their greatest strengths. They have access to trusted sources when a story breaks, hear about news as it unfolds and experience the impact their reporting has on the communities they serve.

Few media platforms consistently celebrate the achievements of local businesses, schools, sports clubs and community organisations. This is what sets local journalism apart. W...