“Local news in the United States is in a state of crisis.
For over a decade, there has been a steady succession of local outlets closing
down, reporters being laid off, publication schedules cut, and resources
tightened. As a result, thousands of communities across the country have less
access to critical information on governance, elections, education, health, and
numerous issues specific to their cities, towns, and neighborhoods.
“Local news plays an indispensable role in American civic
life as a trusted source for critical information, a watchdog for government
and corporate accountability, and a building block of social cohesion. As such,
local journalism is a cornerstone of American democracy, serving as a driver of
civic engagement and a guarantor of government integrity.”
—“Losing the News: The Decimation of Local News and the Search for
Solutions,” PEN
America, Nov. 20, 2019.
• Editorial Comment: Where can we all get together and
talk?
We’re not all dead yet: the March issue of Senior News
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