Coast Community News has reached a significant milestone by publishing its 20,000th online article, a remarkable achievement in the realm of local journalism.
However, the joy of this accomplishment was clouded by a recent Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack that left readers in the dark.
The double irony is that tens of thousands of local Optus customers had their entire internet and mobile networks disrupted this week too, leaving them floundering in our digital world, desperate for timely accurate information.
The fact that a platform dedicated to shedding light on community matters itself became a victim of darkness underscores the importance of local journalism and the challenges it faces in today’s digital age.
For two decades, Central Coast Newspapers has been a beacon of information, connecting communities across the Central Coast using traditional print newspapers, online news websites, social media and radio.
From covering local events and stories to promoting community initiatives, it has played a vital role in bridging the gap between people and the issues that affect their lives.
Reaching the milestone of 20,000 online articles is a testament to the dedication of the newsroom, the support of the community and an unwavering commitment to the values of quality journalism.
It signifies the power of a free press in a democratic society and the significance of preserving and sharing the stories that shape our local identity.
Yet, even as we celebrate this achievement, we must confront the harsh realities of the digital landscape.
The recent Optus outage and our own DDoS attack, which temporarily crippled our website, serves as a reminder that the pursuit of truth and community service is not without its challenges.
Such events disrupt the vital flow of information, leaving locals in the dark when they need it most.
These incidents underscore the importance of safeguarding the platforms that serve as the lifeblood of local communities.
It is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities local news outlets face in an age where disinformation and cyber threats are rampant.
In this context, it becomes imperative to both support the growth and resilience of local journalism and the networks that deliver the news in a timely manner.
As Coast Community News emerges from this attack, we are reminded of the strength that is born out of adversity.
We call upon the community to stand by its local news outlets, not just in times of celebration but also when they face adversity.
The 20,000th online article represents a testament to the enduring spirit of local journalism.
Let it also be a rallying cry for the community to protect and support the truth-tellers, the record-keepers and the champions of their stories.
Fortunately for our 60,000 plus local newsprint readers we have a reliable old fashioned way of getting local stories and information out to the community.
David Abrahams, Managing Editor