(As an article published by the Poynter media website about The Local noted, paraphrasing a tweet from President Trump
condemning journalists, Montclair could be described as a “bedroom community of the enemies of the people.”)
“Some people would argue that what happens on the local basis is more important than what happens on the national
basis,” said Linda Moss, a reporter who covers municipal government, a beat she once had for The Montclair Times.
“These are things that hit home for people every day,” she said, “and these are the things we’re writing about and focusing on.”
Journalism’s struggles have been acutely felt in New Jersey, where the press corps covering the state government in Trenton has dwindled in recent years,
and in the northern part of the state, newspapers, including The Star-Ledger and , have reduced their staffs and their coverage.
“It sharpens our skills, it makes us better, and ultimately the reader benefits from
that competition.” He added, “I know we’ve been there for a long time, with a great track record, and we’re committed to doing journalism that makes a difference in Montclair.”
The Local joins a relatively crowded field for a town the size of Montclair, now with another weekly newspaper
and digital outfits like Baristanet and Patch that cover the area.
Last year, the North Jersey Media Group, which includes The Record
and a constellation of community newspapers, like The Montclair Times and The Nutley Sun, was sold to the Gannett Company by the family that had owned The Record since 1930.
