What's Happening?
Two panel discussions held at the West Virginia University Reed College of Creative Arts and Media recently focused on the nationwide decline of local news infrastructure. The sessions, titled “America’s Rural Future: What do we lose without local news?”,
featured prominent figures such as MetroNews “Talkline” host emeritus Hoppy Kercheval and Chris Stirewalt of the American Enterprise Institute as moderators. Panelists included Amelia Ferrell Knisely and Andrew Donaldson of West Virginia Watch, Matt Pearce of Rebuild Local News, WVU Journalism professor Dana Coester, and Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin. The discussions highlighted that since 2002, 80 percent of jobs in newspapers and newsrooms have been eliminated, largely due to the inability of conventional news sources to compete with free online content and a shift in how younger generations consume news. Mayor Goodwin noted that the absence of local news leads residents to rely on national narratives, hindering community building.
Why It's Important?
The erosion of local news has significant implications for communities, particularly in terms of accountability and economic stability. Chris Stirewalt cited studies showing that government agencies in communities without news organizations pay more to borrow money, as lenders perceive them as higher risk due to the lack of public oversight. This increased cost, estimated at $1.5 billion annually, is ultimately passed on to taxpayers. Furthermore, the shift in advertising revenue from local businesses to national platforms like Meta and Instagram means that advertising dollars are leaving local economies and not returning. This economic drain makes it challenging to sustain local news outlets and, by extension, local businesses that once supported them. The decline also impacts civic engagement, as residents are less informed about local governance and community issues.
What's Next?
The discussions underscored the urgent need to build a new economic base for local news and local communities. Matt Pearce suggested that affluent communities might have a better chance of supporting local journalism, but a broader strategy is required to ensure the viability of local news across all areas. The panelists implicitly called for innovative models that can attract advertising revenue back to local markets and foster community support for journalism. The emphasis on students' desire for trusted messengers, often their hometown newspapers, indicates a potential pathway for rebuilding trust and engagement. Future efforts will likely involve exploring new funding mechanisms, community-supported journalism initiatives, and educational programs to highlight the value of local news to residents and businesses.
Beyond the Headlines
Beyond the immediate economic and accountability concerns, the decline of local news poses deeper societal challenges. The absence of local reporting can lead to a fragmented understanding of community issues, as residents are increasingly exposed to national narratives that may not reflect their local realities. This can foster a sense of disconnection from local governance and civic life, potentially leading to decreased voter participation and reduced community cohesion. The ethical dimension of this trend lies in the public's right to accurate, localized information, which is crucial for informed decision-making and democratic participation. Rebuilding local news is not just about journalism; it's about strengthening the fabric of American communities and ensuring a well-informed citizenry capable of holding local institutions accountable.
