Summary
At the Town Council meeting in Franklin, North Carolina, Mayor Stacy J. Guffey proclaimed April 9, 2026, as Local News Day in the town.
The mayor emphasized the critical role of local news for transparency, public participation, and especially during emergencies (citing the importance of local radio during Hurricane Helene). He highlighted that local journalism is essential for a healthy democracy, civic engagement, and providing reliable information to the community in both normal times and crises.
After reading the formal proclamation, the mayor invited representatives from local news outlets to come forward and accept the proclamation. Five individuals came up:
Mia Overton, editor of The Franklin Press
Lilly Knoepp, senior Western North Carolina reporter for NC Local
Bobby Coggins, representing Macon Media
Morgan Stewart, representing Macon Sense
Dan Finnerty, representing Macon Sense
Local News Day in Franklin, NC
Mayor Stacy J. Guffey
"I can't think of anything more important than what we do on this town council, than public participation and people in the public having an idea of what we, what we do as a town council, transparency, and in government.
And for that reason, I'm proud to proclaim April 9, 2026, as local news day.
I think we found out how important local news is back during Helene when there were times that was the only, the only word you could get was over good old fashioned radio signal.
And in fact, I know there's been some discussion since then about revamping some of the local services during emergency times.
So during an emergency or non-emergency, local news is critical to advancing the public good.
So I'm going to read this proclamation and then have anyone who is here with a local news source to come up front to accept the proclamation.
Proclaimation
Whereas Americans overwhelmingly say local news and information is the most important and most trusted source of news.
Whereas local journalism is a foundational element of a functioning and healthy democracy.
Whereas local journalism equips communities for civic engagement and action.
Whereas communities across the state are joining together to recognize and celebrate the importance of local news on April 9th.
Whereas the town of Franklin and surrounding community rely on trusted local news for reliable vetted information both in daily living and in moments of crisis.
Whereas the town of Franklin is home to several news outlets who continually share information with the public freely and with transparency.
Whereas the town of Franklin recognizes the critical importance of local news in many forms.
Now therefore, I, Stacy J. Guffey, Mayor of the town of Franklin, on behalf of the town council of the town of Franklin, do hereby proclaim April 9, 2026 as Local News Day in Franklin, North Carolina and commend its observance to all residents and visitors adopted this 6th day of April 2026.
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Published at 2.15pm on Wednesday, April 08, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins
Mia Overton, editor of The Franklin Press
Lilly Knoepp, senior Western North Carolina reporter for NC Local
Bobby Coggins, representing Macon Media
Morgan Stewart, representing Macon Sense
Dan Finnerty, representing Macon Sense
Local News Day in Franklin, NC
Mayor Stacy J. Guffey
"I can't think of anything more important than what we do on this town council, than public participation and people in the public having an idea of what we, what we do as a town council, transparency, and in government.
And for that reason, I'm proud to proclaim April 9, 2026, as local news day.
I think we found out how important local news is back during Helene when there were times that was the only, the only word you could get was over good old fashioned radio signal.
And in fact, I know there's been some discussion since then about revamping some of the local services during emergency times.
So during an emergency or non-emergency, local news is critical to advancing the public good.
So I'm going to read this proclamation and then have anyone who is here with a local news source to come up front to accept the proclamation.
Proclaimation
Whereas Americans overwhelmingly say local news and information is the most important and most trusted source of news.
Whereas local journalism is a foundational element of a functioning and healthy democracy.
Whereas local journalism equips communities for civic engagement and action.
Whereas communities across the state are joining together to recognize and celebrate the importance of local news on April 9th.
Whereas the town of Franklin and surrounding community rely on trusted local news for reliable vetted information both in daily living and in moments of crisis.
Whereas the town of Franklin is home to several news outlets who continually share information with the public freely and with transparency.
Whereas the town of Franklin recognizes the critical importance of local news in many forms.
Now therefore, I, Stacy J. Guffey, Mayor of the town of Franklin, on behalf of the town council of the town of Franklin, do hereby proclaim April 9, 2026 as Local News Day in Franklin, North Carolina and commend its observance to all residents and visitors adopted this 6th day of April 2026.
Support Macon Media
• [SEVERE WEATHER CHANNEL]
• You can now support Macon Media with a $1.99 monthly Facebook subscription at https://www.facebook.com/MaconMediaNews/posts/pfbid0sraDv94aqwTXUA5KqivnmL3U4H5bhjgkZkYdmknBUx5fedENQXAWuQZqndTyNhUel?comment_id=1161740932841534
If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.
Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia
Published at 2.15pm on Wednesday, April 08, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins
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