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.

Question

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.”
What reason does the author give to convince the reader that their claim is believable?

(1 point)
Responses

Many politicians have a negative and fearful view of the press.
Many politicians have a negative and fearful view of the press.

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.

Smaller communities hold their local newspapers in high regard.

Answer 1

The reason the author gives to convince the reader that their claim is believable is:

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

This reflects the author's point about the role of small newspapers in monitoring local government activities and holding them accountable.