At a time when newspapers are struggling to adapt to an ever-changing media landscape, I got a tiny, uncommon morale boost Wednesday night when covering the Auburn School Committee meeting.

It was that newspapers still matter; newspaper work is important.

As the School Committee meeting started at 7 p.m., it was standing room only. Usually the only ones there are School Department staff and me. On the agenda was the controversial decision of starting middle and high school two hours late once a week to provide time for professional development.

Several residents had copies of Sun Journal stories or editorials published in the days leading up to the vote. Others mentioned the stories and editorials. Shortly before 10 p.m., the board killed the late-start proposal, after residents made it clear they did not want it.

The committee meetings are aired on Great Falls TV. Other than that, per usual there wasn’t any other media there covering the story. Telling the community what’s going on likely increased community interest, which increased attendance. That had an impact on the outcome — the Fourth Estate in action.

Now where did I put my “Will Write for Food” T-shirt?

— Bonnie Washuk