When I began to search for journalistic attempts made by the grassroots movements in northern New Jersey I could not think of any off hand. Coming to this realization I thought about the effectiveness of Citizen Grassroots journalism. So, after a quick Google search and some light reading I found the Paramus Post, which seems to be the premier source for Citizen News in North Jersey.

Here is a link to the Paramus Post website: http://www.paramuspost.com/index.php?page=26

The content on the main page ranged from opinion pieces to local happenings to ways to better the environment. I thought of the question I had formulated earlier about the effectiveness of this form of news delivery. I thought about how professional and well written some of the articles were on the site and I thought to myself "Maybe it’s just me?” I had never been overly active in the day to day happenings of my town or my extended area. I would get my news through Facebook comments, Steven Colbert, and teachers who cared enough to try to force active involvement and concern about our surroundings. I came to the conclusion that for people who wanted to be informed about their neighborhoods and state of their neighbors, this kind of journalistic attempt was extremely effective and important.

The larger local newspaper, The Hudson Reporter, seemed to be more interested in headline stories and presenting the facts of large events and decisions being made in the Hudson county area. This paper was nice if one wanted a general view of the news and mainly surface level facts. The Paramus Post website seemed to be more in tune with public sentiment and gave a wide variety of specific news worthy and not so newsworthy information. I found the grassroots movement of the Paramus Post to be more personal and accessible. What it lacks in professional aesthetics it makes up for with stories that actually matter to everyday life. Reading the paper has helped re-affirm my resolution to become an active member of my society and the people in and around my life.

Here is the link to the Hudson Reporter Website: http://www.hudsonreporter.com/

Overall I found the Paramus Post to be a delightful source of local and personal information that really makes one thinks of the effect we, as supposedly responsible citizens, can have in the immediate sense. I think these grassroots movements are important to those looking to make positive change in their community and be informed conscious people. The effectiveness of these journalistic attempts is great as long as we, the people, are willing to take charge in our community.

As the great leader Gandhi once said "Be the change you want to see in the world". Grassroots Journalism can be just that.

 

 

Almost all college students have experienced that feeling in the late hours of the night when they have a craving or the munchies for comfort food.  However, I have one close friend who takes it to another level.  Around 2 o’clock every Friday or Saturday night my friend starts the attempt to recruit the rest of us to order late night food from Roma’s Little Italy on York Road.

 

Read more: Can I Take Your Order?

By Katie Strong

Don't forget to check the lab hours during finals week!  Steer clear of M016 and Dorthy Day during these times.  Good luck studying!