Courtesy of Kenneth Miles.
Over 100 newspapers closed in 2023 at a rate of roughly two and a half per week, including the dissolvement of nearly 2,000 newsroom jobs. In Hudson County, The Hudson Reporter and The Jersey Journal were the most recent victims of this.
Local news has long been seen as a bridge between community connections, government accountability and more to help promote overall community wellbeing and democracy. However, with the snowballing closures, many are now wary of a growing “local news crisis.” But veteran journalist and newly-debuted author Kenneth Miles, the founder of The Trenton Journal, wants people to know that you can help in the fight.
Miles recently released his debut book “From Ink to Impact: How to Build a Community Platform that Last,” which outlines the Jersey City native’s 30-year experience in journalism as well as his trials and tribulations in establishing his hyperlocal publication, the Trenton Journal. He told Slice of Culture that his book gives readers a “roadmap” for building community, navigating entrepreneurship and a behind-the-scenes look in a newsroom.
“Our democracy is being attacked. It’s so important for us to honor our stories and provide fact-based information to our communities,” Miles said in a written response.
“People don’t know what to believe these days because information and misinformation is so prevalent on the internet. I also wrote this book to provide a roadmap for anyone who may be interested in starting their own news outlet, like I did with the Trenton Journal.”
The Trenton Journal covers topics including education, health, sports, city hall and crime. They also offer community resources and have implemented community events.
Miles, who was born and raised in Jersey City, will be speaking at the Miller Branch Library, located at 489 Bergen Avenue, in February during Black History Month. His book is also available for purchase at Word Bookstore, located at 29 McWilliams Place.
“Jersey City is where I was born and raised. It is where I got my start as a journalist writing for The Jersey Journal when I was 15 years old,” Miles wrote to Slice of Culture.
“Jersey City holds a special place in my heart. It’s my hometown, I went to school here, and I still have a lot of family there. I was thrilled when Word Bookstore in Jersey City started selling my book. It hits different when your hometown shows you love.”
“From Ink To Impact,” which is meant to guide aspiring journalists, community activists and entrepreneurs, is also available on Amazon for free through Kindle or for $9.99 in paperback, at the time of this writing. It’s 136 pages and for readers ages 16 and over. You can check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Ink-Impact-Build-Community-Platform-ebook/dp/B0FK7BLB3M.
