Interviews with ten reporters and editors for community newspapers, all winners of Pulitzer Prizes for articles that dealt with nonelite groups, formed the basis for the information presented in this paper. Among the topics discussed are problems caused by the close proximity of the community press to its readers; the economic and physical perils…

From 1950 to 1970, the shift from agriculture to industry dominated Ashe County, North Carolina, isolated on the Blue Ridge by rugged terrain and severe weather. Rural farm population declined by 2/3 but rural non-farm population tripled. Many new industries helped shift the bulk of the work force to industry. In 1950, 45% of the work force farmed…