Whoever said no news is good news must have lived in much simpler times.

It was most likely a period that hadn’t yet experienced such seminal events as a worldwide pandemic or awakening to social injustice and an era where the pivotal role media play in helping understand the changing landscape around us was not in full bloom.

It’s a pithy expression designed to provide comfort to troubled souls during worrying times, but the unknown is usually a source of great anxiety for those searching for news.

It would be one thing if the social bubbles we are now forced to create could protect us from all that afflicts our society. But few of us are so privileged as to be able to cut ourselves off so completely from the outside world and most of us are simply not inclined.

No one likes bad news. It certainly bursts that bubble and exposes us to the stark truth that not all is as serene as we would prefer.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the person who first uttered the phrase no news is good news also authored the line ignorance is bliss. This distilled version may not be as easy to swallow, but it is a more accurate revision to that familiar saying meant to offer consolation.

Truth be known, there is no real solace to be found in ignorance.

The bad news is an increasing number of communities are seeing their sources of local news vanish. Many more face the same prospect in the uncertain future for the newspaper industry.

Today, World News Day, is as good a time as any to reflect on the value of community newspapers at a time when nothing happening in our world appears to be simple.

A story like Karen Martin-Robbins’ articles on human trafficking was an eye-opening look at how a young girl was ensnared in the sex trade industry and uncovered the harsh reality that these are not only big city trappings, but an urgent concern for communities everywhere.

As protests surrounding racial injustice grew, Sabrina Gamrot unpacked the passionate demands for accountability and change, following the Peel Regional police killing of Ejaz Choudry. Her article showed where universal calls for systemic, police and mental health reforms intersect in our own backyard.

None of this would be considered good news, but it is community journalism that wipes the sleep from our eyes as we wake to a growingly complicated world where trusted sources of information are rapidly dwindling.

We welcome your questions and value your comments. Email our trust committee at trust@metroland.com.

Roger Belgrave is a journalist with more than 25 years experience and currently serving as Managing Editor for this newspaper.