Why local papers need bloggers

Dave Hill is sticking up for the humble blogger over at Comment is free this afternoon,and asks why local newspapers don't

cultivate friendly links, in print and online, with local blogs and community websites, which can generate readers, stories and information they wouldn't otherwise have? Why not regard bloggers as potential "citizen journalist" allies in the battle to win readers rather than as cost-free sources of material to be plundered at leisure then insulted if they dare to complain?

and adds that in a declining market

Established local papers have a choice: they can cultivate that help or they can scorn and exploit it. If I were them, I'd take the first option. After all, they need all the help and goodwill they can get.