"Community Newspaper Under Siege" by Tim Grobaty To add to the woes is the fact that many politicians see the media as overzealous watchdogs. And they’re right to think so; their fear is warranted, because that’s what the small newspapers do so well: Keep a steady eye on the opportunistic city government, the shady school board, the double-dipping water commissioner. And there’s a direct relationship between a town’s size and its paper: The smaller the city, the more important its paper is to the community. In his eloquent (and, of course funny) piece on the importance of community papers, John Oliver said, “Not having reporters at government meetings is like a teacher leaving her room of seventh graders to supervise themselves.”

Question

Use the passage to answer the question. What reason does the author give to convince the reader that their claim is believable? (1 point)

Answer 1

The author provides the reason that smaller community newspapers play a crucial role in keeping a watchful eye on local government and institutions, suggesting that they hold politicians and officials accountable. This is supported by the observation that the smaller the city, the more significant the role of its newspaper in the community. Additionally, the quote from John Oliver serves to emphasize the importance of having reporters present at government meetings, likening their absence to a teacher leaving students unsupervised, which reinforces the need for oversight in local governance.

Answer 2

Smaller communities hold their local newspapers in high regard. Smaller communities hold their local newspapers in high regard. Community newspapers are important because they keep local governments honest and in check. Community newspapers are important because they keep local governments honest and in check. John Oliver’s assertion about the relationship between the media and the government is correct. John Oliver’s assertion about the relationship between the media and the government is correct. Many politicians have a negative and fearful view of the press.

Answer 3

The author gives reasons that emphasize the vital role of community newspapers in maintaining accountability among local governments. Specifically, the statement that "smaller communities hold their local newspapers in high regard" highlights the trust and significance placed on these publications within the community. Additionally, the assertion that "community newspapers are important because they keep local governments honest and in check" reinforces the claim that these papers serve as essential watchdogs. The reference to John Oliver’s assertion about the media and government exemplifies the common understanding of the necessity for oversight in governance. Lastly, acknowledging that "many politicians have a negative and fearful view of the press" points to the reality that government officials recognize the impact of media scrutiny, which adds credibility to the argument about the importance of local newspapers. Overall, these points establish a believable foundation for the author’s claims regarding the significance of community newspapers.

Answer 4

sooo what's the right answer

Smaller communities hold their local newspapers in high regard.
Community newspapers are important because they keep local governments honest and in check
John Oliver’s assertion about the relationship between the media and the government is correct..
Many politicians have a negative and fearful view of the press.

Answer 5

The best answer from the provided options that directly supports the author's claim about the importance of community newspapers is:

Community newspapers are important because they keep local governments honest and in check.

This statement specifically addresses the role of community newspapers in holding local governments accountable, which is a central point made by the author in the passage.