How many journalists are in this county?

Free ice cream, concert tomorrow!

Jul 16, 2025

Print Update

We’re going to print today with The Greenwich Journal and The Salem Press — which means we may get it to the post office by tomorrow in time to go out. We normally don’t print on a Wednesday, so the timing may not work out perfectly. Friday at the latest!

If you don’t already, subscribe to the print edition here.

How Many Journalists Are in Washington County?

In case you’re wondering, the number is 6.5!

If you do the math, we have 10.8 “Local Journalism Equivalents” per 100,000 residents, but Washington County only has 60,000 residents, so knock that down to 6.5.

This is according to a comprehensive study by Rebuild Local News and Muck Rack.

The 6.5 number feels about right.

You can find the map here: https://muckrack.com/research/local-journalist-index

Our county ranks No. 26 out of 62 counties in the state. Not bad, relatively. Some places have virtually no journalism going on.

Look at sparsely populated Hamilton County, a bit north of us.

OK, there’s practically no population there, but, then again, it probably would be easy for any journalist to cover a county that small. The county board probably meets in a diner.

More populated Putnam County also is a virtual news desert.

Considering its geographical proximity to the New York Metro Area, it’s strange that this county never grew bigger. Must be bad management and/or lack of vision. Maybe if they had a newspaper nudging the pols to do better?

There are pretty much three officially recognized paid-circulation newspapers in Washington County, so each offers the equivalent of 2.2 journalists (the formula counts freelancers differently than full-timers — it’s complicated, don’t ask!).

If you’d like to support this e-offering from The Journal & Press, and don’t already, click this button and join our family! Help prevent Washington County from becoming a news desert!

Three Masonic Lodges Team Up for BBQ

Ashlar Lodge (Greenwich), Cambridge Valley Lodge (Cambridge), and Victor Lodge (Schuylerville) will host a take-out-only chicken BBQ fundraiser on Saturday, July 19 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Fort Hardy Beach Park, Route 29 and the Hudson River, across from The Basin Grill. Dinners are $19 each and must be pre-ordered online. All proceeds will benefit community support programs.

This family-friendly meal features a Cornell-style half chicken, basted in a tangy blend of vinegar, oil, and egg, and grilled to golden perfection. Each dinner includes a baked potato (with butter and sour cream), sweet corn on the cob, a dinner roll, and dessert.

"This is more than just great barbecue—it’s about keeping our community strong," said event coordinator Ian Murray. "The funds raised will go directly back into local efforts that support our neighbors, celebrate our heritage, and build a stronger future." Murray is a Saratoga 250 Commissioner and the Saratoga Town Supervisor.

The event brings together three historic Masonic lodges known for their longstanding commitment to public service. Through decades of quiet contributions, these lodges have helped fund educational scholarships, community festivals, veterans’ services, and historical commemorations, including initiatives tied to the upcoming Saratoga 250 Semiquincentennial of the American Revolution.

Pre-orders are required and tickets are expected to sell quickly due to high demand. Community members are encouraged to secure their meals early.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/saratoga-chicken-bbq-dinner-fundraiser.