During the Caroline County Commissioners meeting on July 22, 2025, a significant discussion emerged regarding the local news landscape in the county. The meeting featured a presentation by Debbie Bowden, which claimed that Caroline County lacked a printed independent news outlet. This assertion was based on a report from the University of Maryland's School of Journalism, which incorrectly stated that Caroline County was the only county in Maryland without a local news source.

In response, Travis, the executive editor of APG Chesapeake, which publishes the Times Record and the Star Democrat, addressed the inaccuracies in the report. He clarified that APG Chesapeake does indeed provide local news coverage in Caroline County, with reporters assigned to cover the area and a weekly insert of the Times Record included in the Star Democrat. This correction highlights the ongoing commitment of APG Chesapeake to deliver local news to residents, countering the narrative that Caroline County is devoid of news outlets.

Travis also emphasized the importance of local journalism, noting that APG Chesapeake collaborates with smaller community newspapers to enhance coverage and share resources. He pointed out that the Times Record has been actively publishing public notices, which are essential for community awareness and engagement. In the past 60 days alone, nearly 90 public notices were published, covering various local issues such as public hearings and zoning appeals.

The discussion raised questions about the need for additional legislation concerning local news, as Travis argued that the existing coverage is sufficient and meets the state's definition of a newspaper. He concluded by inviting questions, reinforcing the notion that Caroline County's news needs are being adequately met by APG Chesapeake.

This meeting underscores the critical role of local journalism in maintaining informed communities and the importance of accurate reporting in shaping public perception. As the landscape of news continues to evolve, the dialogue around local media's presence and its impact on community engagement remains vital.