The Decline of Local News and Its Impact on Democracy

Read the transcript and notes for this episode on our website.

The decline of local media outlets in the United States poses significant threats to democracy and community engagement. Abbie Fink and Adrian McIntyre discuss the phenomenon of "news deserts," areas devoid of reliable local news sources, drawing on a comprehensive study by Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Media and Integrated Marketing Communications that tracks the scale and impact of shrinking local journalism.

Adrian and Abbie underscore the consequences of losing local media outlets, such as decreased civic participation, increased political polarization, and the loss of accountability from local governments and institutions.

Abbie emphasizes the need for news literacy, educating communities on the importance of diverse news sources and equipping them with the tools to discern credible local reporting from passive consumption of national clips. Supporting local journalism goes beyond subscribing to local newspapers. It involves participating actively in local media by reading, sharing, and financially supporting credible journalism.

Despite the grim outlook, Adrian points out the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit driving new digital journalism initiatives, including nonprofit organizations like States Newsroom and newsletters like the Arizona Agenda and Tucson Agenda.

Key Takeaways

• The decline of local journalism and the diminishing number of local news outlets has created "news deserts" across the United States.
• Research shows that more than half of the nation's counties have little to no local news coverage.
• Local news is critical for civic engagement; its absence correlates with lower voter turnout, reduced civic participation, and increased political polarization.
• Consumers must support local publications to ensure diverse voices and accurate reporting.
• Investing in local journalism through subscriptions and active engagement is essential to maintain informed communities and foster public understanding and civic responsibility.

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