Tennessee House Bill HJR0178

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/23
• Engrossed: 2/14/23
• Enrolled: 2/24/23
• Passed: 3/2/23

Caption

A RESOLUTION to recognize and honor the Independent Appeal of McNairy County.

Impact

The bill highlights the historical significance of local media in keeping communities informed and engaged. In reaffirming the newspaper's legacy, HJR0178 celebrates not just the Independent Appeal's commitment to journalism but also its role in fostering a sense of community in McNairy County. This recognition may serve to inspire other local media outlets, highlighting the value of maintaining local voices in a rapidly digitizing and homogenizing news environment.

Summary

House Joint Resolution 178 (HJR0178) is a resolution to honor the Independent Appeal, a longstanding newspaper in McNairy County, Tennessee, which concluded its publication in December 2022 after 120 years of service. This resolution acknowledges the important role that the Independent Appeal has played within the community, both in terms of being a source of reliable news and as a significant business entity in the region. The newspaper, owned by the Rail family for generations, is celebrated for its contributions to democracy by promoting truthful reporting and engaging positively with local issues and events.

Contention

While the resolution serves a unifying purpose in recognizing the newspaper, it may also reflect broader discussions regarding the sustainability and importance of local journalism against the backdrop of declining print media. As newspapers face challenges in adapting to digital trends, resolutions such as HJR0178 can bring attention to the potential cultural losses associated with the closure of local media institutions, thus prompting conversations around how communities can support and revitalize local journalism.