The Amherst Bear is a nonprofit, monthly newspaper dedicated to celebrating our town, connecting neighbors, and strengthening community pride. Each issue is mailed free to every Amherst home and business, sharing reliable local news, uplifting stories, and practical resources for residents of all ages.
From Strong Local Papers to a News Gap
For nearly 30 years, The Amherst Citizen brought us the stories, photos, and conversations that made Amherst feel like home. But over time, for-profit local papers across the country began to disappear. Big media companies bought up community newspapers, cut staff, and prioritized profits over people. Advertising dollars shifted to Google and Facebook. And as COVID hit, even The Amherst Citizen struggled.
Without a printed newspaper, something vital was lost. Our town felt disconnected. We no longer had that shared space where we could see our children in the paper, learn about our neighbors, or follow what was happening at town hall.
A printed community newspaper is effortless and inclusive — it shows up in your mailbox whether or not you were looking for it, and it introduces you to stories you didn’t even know were happening. You discover events, decisions, and neighbors’ stories that might never have crossed your radar otherwise.
