The Message Means More than the Media

Vol. III, No. 31 - What is said is more important than how it's said.

As a youngster, I was fascinated by the possibilities of radio. So much so, I ended up earning my amateur radio license from the Federal Communications Commission and it opened up a world of communication that felt almost magical. With nothing more than a modest radio set—using less power than a standard sixty-watt light bulb—I could reach out to fellow operators across the globe. In the days before the internet, this was a remarkable experience that shaped my understanding of connection and community.

Even now, when I share stories of my latest contacts from distant corners of the world with those unfamiliar with amateur radio, I often receive puzzled looks. “What do you talk about?” is the inevitable question. The answer, admittedly, is somewhat underwhelming: conversations typically revolve around technical details—the type of radio used, and, most commonly, the weather. While news and current events are rarely talked about, I have learned that certain topics, like American baseball, can spark curiosity among international operators, especially those in England.

What truly captivated me as a child was not the content of these exchanges, but the sheer wonder of the technology itself. The idea that I could communicate with someone halfway around the world using a simple radio and an aluminum rod was, in itself, extraordinary. Yet, for most people, the focus remained on the message rather than the medium—on what was being said, rather than how it was being transmitted.

I recount this story because it neatly parallels a central theme from last week’s At-Large Council Member Quarterly Roundtable, held at the Troy Rec. This well-attended event brought together elected officials and residents for a candid discussion about the happenings in our city. Many questions focused on the progress of various municipal projects: roundabouts, zoning code updates, road studies, and more. These initiatives, approved months ago, remain in limbo, leaving at least some residents eager for updates and clarity.

Equally prominent were questions about how the city communicates with its citizens. Should we rely more on social media? Would utility bill inserts or a quarterly newsletter help? As traditional media plays a diminishing role in civic life, these questions grow increasingly urgent. Yet, as I listened to the discussion, it became clear that the real issue is not the method of communication, but the substance of what is being communicated.

The Roundtable’s primary objective is to foster better dialogue between elected officials and the public. By every measure, the effort has been a success. Attendance remains strong, and the atmosphere is marked by mutual respect and a genuine desire to understand and improve the community. Participants consistently demonstrate grace and respect towards one another and a commitment to civic engagement; this is a far cry from what an average resident might expect at a City Council meeting filled with those behind the dias giving eyerolls or looking down at screens when residents take the podium.

And yet the city continues to grapple with how best to keep residents informed. The recent announcement at Monday’s City Council meeting—that the highly anticipated Adams Street/Staunton Road roundabout would not proceed as planned this summer—underscores this challenge. Despite significant investment and a clear timeline, residents were not informed of the delay until the question was raised publicly at the Quarterly Meeting. This reactive approach to communication erodes trust and leaves citizens feeling disconnected from the decision-making process.

To it’s credit, the city’s current communication strategy often emphasizes social and entertainment events. Announcements about concerts and other community gatherings are plentiful, creating the impression that the city’s top priority is keeping residents entertained (or at worst, distracted). While these events are undoubtedly important for community spirit, they do not address the concerns of residents who are more interested in timely updates on infrastructure projects, especially those that will impact their daily life, such as road construction near schools on major thoroughfares.

When vital information is withheld or delayed, residents are left to wonder about the status of projects that directly affect them. This lack of transparency undermines public trust and discourages civic participation. The challenge, therefore, is not simply to find new channels for communication, but to ensure that the information shared is relevant, timely, and meaningful.

To build a stronger, more engaged community, the city must prioritize proactive and transparent communication. This means not only informing residents about social events, but also providing regular updates on the status of major projects, explaining delays when they occur, and soliciting and actually welcoming feedback from the public. By focusing on the substance of its messages, the city can foster greater trust and encourage more residents to participate in civic life.

Ultimately, the lesson from both amateur radio and the recent Roundtable is clear: the medium is important, but the message matters most. If the city hopes to engage its citizens and build a stronger community, it must ensure that its communications are substantive, timely, and relevant to the needs and concerns of its residents. Only then can we truly bridge the communication gap between our officials officials and the people they serve.

In the end, people will stop listening to their leaders, especially when those leaders have nothing important to say.

City Wants YOUR Input on Park Improvements

Now is the time for Troy residents to get involved and advocate for the changes that will truly benefit the community. Your input will help ensure that the city’s limited resources are invested where they are needed most, creating parks and recreation facilities that reflect the real priorities of Troy’s families and youth. Those wanting to participate in the survey can go to: www.troyohio.gov/parkplanning/

Check out our New YouTube Channel!

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Thank you to our New Media Partners!

Recently, many of our stories has been showing up on the local news website, www.mymiamicounty.com. We are grateful for the good folks for sharing our work with their audience and we would encourage our readers to check them out at their website!

Our publication would also like to recognize the good work being done at www.piquanewsnow.com. Piqua News Now is a new web-based news and information site for the Miami County area, with a specific focus on Piqua!

In addition, the good folks at Piqua News Now have started a new, 24-hour streaming YouTube channel. This channel is awesome! It gives continuous weather updates with all the vibes from the Weather Channel from the 1980s. More importanly, it provides a 24-hour audio feed from county wide dispatch. Check it out here!

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