EDITORIAL: We help when all else fails

I'M NOT a religious person, and in no way do I see the newspaper - or the media - as some higher presence in our lives, but I can see parallels with the Biblical axiom of the Lord helping those who help themselves.

Media are supposed to shine a light on wrong practices, and to support models of behaviour we like to see in our society. But, quite frankly, it is not the newspaper's role to do all the work, or to act as a mediator or go-between.

Where a newspaper works best is when all other options have been exhausted. You could be an embattled resident who has tried everything with your community and bureaucracy to right a wrong, or raise awareness - and it hasn't been enough. This is when a free press, operating without conflict of interest, or self-interest, can step forward to ask questions.

You've probably noticed the paper has given attention to certain fundraising appeals, Givealittle causes. Sure, in reporting there's an element of endorsement from the paper.

But the system doesn't work when a person makes little effort to explore a solution before approaching the media. Wrongs can actually be righted through a phone call and a complaints process.

To run to a newspaper before that option is tried is unfair, and also puts the newspaper in a position of trying to communicate a problem like some kind of third-party mediator.

We're here to promote good news.

We're here to defend you. But don't assume a helplessness that only media can rescue you from. Stand up and take action.

If it goes nowhere, we'll look at getting on board to support. But don't sit back and wait for a newspaper to fight a battle, just because you think it's in the public interest.

If you weren't interested enough to complain to the people responsible, why should we be?