Journalism professor notes decline of country correspondents
Professor Les Anderson of the Elliott School of Journalism, Wichita State University, has published an article recognizing the decline of "country correspondents" of yesteryear.
Anderson's investigative and informative article was published in Grassroots Editor, published by the American Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors.
Anderson reported the number of correspondents has declined over the years, but as a former newspaper publisher he grew to respect their dedication and their news.
Most of them are elderly women, he said, who are paid little to nothing except for the thanks of their friends and community. Most don't have computers or Internet access. Many write, not type, their "items" each week.
Anderson reports that most weekly publishers find it "difficult and often impossible" to replace them when they become unable to continue.
He wrote that one of his favorites was the late Marj Nienstedt of Antelope who wrote for the Marion County Record for decades.
Publisher Bill Meyer was unable to replace Marj, Anderson noted. He was quoted as saying the writers keep their personalities and "give the readers something they can't get elsewhere."
Meyer added, "Readers may make fun of the correspondents, kid about them being in the paper, but they read them."
Readers would stop by the Nienstedt Store at Antelope for a friendly visit with Marj and Alvin. "They weren't in need of anything but conversation."
The conversational style carried over into her writing, even to the condition of the carbuncle on Alvin's neck, the story stated.
The story goes indepth about the role of the community correspondent. Any who would like to read the entire story may have a free copy at the Marion County Record office.
