LWV presents: Why Local News Matters on March 16

As the media's impact on democracy becomes more and more apparent, the Henderson County League of Women Voters is hosting Why Local News Matters, a program delving into the importance of local, small town reporting in the digital age.

Ruth Birge, former publisher of the Hendersonville Times-News, and John Boyle, Asheville Watchdog reporter, will discuss the past and future of small-town news reporting. Their presentation will be in conjunction with Sunshine Week--a nonpartisan collaboration shining a light on the importance of public records and open government.

Here are the details for this timely and relevant program:

• WHAT: Why Local News Matters, featuring local journalists

• WHEN: Monday MARCH 16th from 5 to 6:30 pm

• WHERE: Henderson County Public Library's Kaplan Auditorium, 301 N. Washington Street in Hendersonville

According to their press release, "The League of Women Voters is concerned about the decline of access to valid, local news for voters and its impact on democracy. The League supports credible and ethical local journalism, in whatever format it is published, as essential to democracy. Access to trustworthy information is necessary for citizens to cast an informed ballot, and dependable local news sources are integral to this pursuit."

For more information about the League, go to the their website at:

www.lwvhcnc.org. The League welcomes all members of our community.