Half of America Lives in News Deserts: Report Highlights Lack of Local News Sources for 50 Million People

news is vanishing at an alarming rate, creating information voids and impacting civic engagement. This article examines the causes and consequences of this crisis.">

The American news landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, with a dramatic decline in the number of newspapers and a corresponding rise in “news deserts” – communities with limited access too reliable local reporting. A recently released report reveals that 136 newspapers have ceased publication in the past year alone, signaling a deepening crisis for the industry.

The Scale of the Crisis

The erosion of local news is not a sudden phenomenon but rather a long-term trend. As 2005, the United States has witnessed a staggering reduction in newspapers, falling from 7,325 to just 4,490 currently. Daily newspaper circulation, once reaching 50 to 60 million readers at the turn of the century, now hovers just above 15 million.

The human cost is equally significant. Employment in the newspaper industry has plummeted from approximately 365,460 in 2005 to a mere 91,550 today. The proportion of journalists working at newspapers has also drastically decreased, from 71% two decades ago to only 29% of the roughly 42,000 journalists currently employed.

Unlike previous years where closures frequently enough stemmed from consolidations by large media chains, the recent wave of closures is largely driven by independent owners relinquishing their publications, such as the Wasatch Wave in Utah and the Aurelia Star in Iowa. “It’s very disheartening,” notes a leading industry analyst. “These are the kinds of owners we want to keep.”

The Rise of News Deserts and Geographic Disparities

while digital news sites are emerging, they are predominantly concentrated in urban and suburban areas, exacerbating the crisis in rural communities. Approximately 50 million Americans now reside in counties with either no local news source or only one, leaving a vast segment of the population underserved. States like Maryland, New Jersey, Maine, Hawaii, and Ohio have experienced the most considerable percentage of newspaper closures.

State	% of Newspaper Closures
Maryland	High
New Jersey	High
Maine	High
Hawaii	High
Ohio	High

Shifting Consumption Patterns and the Digital challenge

The shift in news consumption is also contributing to the industry’s woes. Traffic to the websites of the 100 largest U.S. newspapers has dropped by 45% over the past four years. While the pandemic initially inflated online traffic, the subsequent deemphasis of local news on platforms like Facebook and the increasing prominence of generative AI in search results have diverted audiences away from customary news sites.

Did You know? A recent study by Pew Research Center found that only about a third of Americans regularly follow local news.

Philanthropic efforts, such as those spearheaded by Press Forward, are attempting to bolster newsrooms, but analysts say that more substantial interventions may be required, perhaps including public measures like tax credits or loans.

The Future of Local News Consumption

Despite the challenges, there are signs of resilience. Recent polls suggest that a large majority of consumers, around 85% in the Chicago area, still consume local news at least weekly, with half doing so daily. However, they are increasingly turning to alternative sources like smartphone searches and social media influencers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

“Local news means different things to different people,” explains a media expert. “The news industry needs to recognize these changing consumption habits and adapt its reporting to meet audiences where they are.”

Pro tip: Support local journalism by subscribing to your community newspaper or donating to non-profit news organizations.

The Importance of Local Journalism

Local news plays a vital role in a well-functioning democracy. It informs citizens about local government, schools, and community events, fostering civic engagement and accountability. Without robust local news coverage, communities are more vulnerable to corruption, misinformation, and decreased participation in democratic processes. The ongoing crisis in local news is thus not merely an industry problem but a threat to the health of our communities and our democracy.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Local News Crisis

• What is a “news desert”? A news desert is a community with limited access to reliable local news sources, often due to newspaper closures or a lack of local media outlets.
• why are newspapers closing? Newspapers are facing declining readership,decreased advertising revenue,and the challenges of adapting to the digital landscape.
• What is being done to address the local news crisis? Philanthropic organizations are providing funding, and discussions are underway regarding potential public support mechanisms.
• How can I support local journalism? You can subscribe to your local newspaper, donate to non-profit news organizations, and share local news stories with your network.
• Is all local news the same? No, the quality and depth of local news coverage can vary significantly. It’s vital to seek out sources known for their accuracy and journalistic integrity.
• What impact dose the decline of local news have on communities? A lack of local news can lead to decreased civic engagement, increased government corruption, and the spread of misinformation.
• How are people getting their local news if newspapers are closing? People are turning to digital news sites,social media,and other online sources,but these sources may not always provide the same level of in-depth local coverage.

What are your thoughts on the shift to digital news consumption? Do you believe philanthropic efforts are enough to save local journalism?

Share your comments below and help us continue the conversation!

What are the potential consequences of living in a news desert regarding local government accountability?

What are News Deserts? Defining the Crisis in Local Journalism

A “news desert” isn’t a literal landscape devoid of newspapers. It’s a community – a city, town, or even county – experiencing a important lack of local news coverage. This means limited reporting on crucial issues like school board meetings, city council decisions, local crime, and community events. The recent report,widely covered by media outlets,confirms that approximately 50 million Americans now reside in these areas,a concerning trend impacting civic engagement and informed decision-making. The term gained prominence through research by the University of North Carolina’s Hussman School of Journalism and Media.

The Scale of the Problem: Key Findings from the Report

The report, released in October 2023 and updated with current data, paints a stark picture of the decline of local news. Here’s a breakdown of the key findings:

* Dramatic Newspaper Decline: Over 2,500 newspapers have closed or merged since 2005. This represents a loss of approximately 70% of local news jobs.

* Digital Divide: While digital news sources are emerging, they frequently enough don’t fill the gap left by conventional newspapers, especially in rural areas with limited broadband access. Digital news literacy is also a factor.

* Geographic Distribution: News deserts aren’t evenly distributed. Rural communities are disproportionately affected, but suburban areas are also experiencing a decline in local news coverage.

* Impact on Civic Engagement: Studies show a direct correlation between the loss of local news and decreased voter turnout, reduced civic participation, and increased political polarization.

* Ghost Newspapers: Many communities are served by “ghost newspapers” – publications that exist in name only, with minimal original reporting. They often rely heavily on wire services and syndicated content.

Why are Local News Sources Disappearing? The Contributing Factors

Several interconnected factors are driving the crisis in local journalism:

* Declining advertising Revenue: The shift to online advertising, dominated by tech giants like Google and Facebook, has siphoned away advertising revenue from local newspapers.

* Changing Consumption Habits: Younger generations are less likely to subscribe to traditional newspapers, preferring to get their news online or through social media.

* Hedge Fund Ownership: Many local newspapers have been acquired by hedge funds and private equity firms,often prioritizing short-term profits over journalistic quality and community service. This frequently enough leads to staff cuts and reduced coverage.

* Consolidation of Media Ownership: Large media conglomerates are buying up local news outlets, leading to homogenization of content and a loss of local voice.

* Economic Pressures: Small towns and rural areas often lack the economic base to support robust local news organizations.

The Consequences of Living in a News Desert: A Deeper look

The absence of reliable local news has far-reaching consequences:

* Increased Government Waste & Corruption: Without local reporters holding officials accountable,government waste and corruption can flourish unchecked.

* Lower Voter Turnout: People are less likely to vote when they are uninformed about local issues and candidates.

* Weakened Community Bonds: Local news plays a vital role in fostering a sense of community and shared identity. Its absence can lead to social fragmentation.

* Spread of Misinformation: In the absence of credible local news sources,misinformation and disinformation can spread more easily. Fact-checking becomes more arduous.

* Reduced Property Values: Some studies suggest that communities without strong local news coverage may experience lower property values.

Emerging Solutions: Revitalizing Local Journalism

Despite the challenges, there are efforts underway to revitalize local journalism:

* Nonprofit news Organizations: A growing number of nonprofit news organizations are filling the gap left by traditional newspapers. Examples include ProPublica and the Texas Tribune.

* Philanthropic Funding: Foundations are increasingly investing in local journalism initiatives.

* Government Support: There’s growing discussion about potential government policies to support local news, such as tax credits for subscriptions or funding for public media.

* Community-Supported Journalism: Models like Report for America place journalists in local newsrooms to cover underserved communities.

* Digital Innovation: New digital platforms and business models are emerging to deliver local news in innovative ways. Hyperlocal blogs and newsletters are gaining traction.

* Local Journalism Initiatives: Organizations like the Local Media Association are working to help local news organizations adapt to the changing media landscape.

what Can You Do? Supporting Local News in Your Community

Individuals can play a crucial role in supporting local journalism:

1. Subscribe to Your local Newspaper (if one exists): Even a digital subscription makes a difference.
2. Donate to Nonprofit News Organizations: Support organizations that are providing vital local