The Death of Local Newspapers and the Dearth of Accountability: The Series

The decline of local journalism is a serious problem that has been exacerbated by the Gannett takeover. Gannett is a media conglomerate that has acquired many local newspapers in recent years. This has led to a decrease in the number of journalists working at these newspapers, and as a result, there is less coverage of local news. This is a problem because local news is essential for holding elected and non-elected officials accountable.

When there is less local news coverage, it becomes more difficult for citizens to know what is happening in their communities. This can lead to a lack of trust in government and other institutions. It can also make it easier for corruption to go undetected.

The Gannett takeover is just one of the factors that have contributed to the decline of local journalism. Other factors include the rise of digital media, the decline of print advertising, and the consolidation of the media industry.

There are a number of things that can be done to address the decline of local journalism. One is to support local news organizations financially. This can be done by subscribing to local newspapers, donating to local news websites, or volunteering at local news organizations. Another is to advocate for policies that support local journalism. This could include tax breaks for local news organizations, or funding for public broadcasting.

The decline of local journalism is a serious problem, but it is not insurmountable. By taking action, we can help to ensure that local news organizations continue to thrive and that our communities are well-informed.

Here are some additional thoughts on how the decline of local journalism makes it harder to hold elected and non-elected officials accountable:

• When there is less local news coverage, it is harder for citizens to know who their elected officials are and what they are doing.
• It is also harder for citizens to know about important issues that are facing their communities.
• This can make it more difficult for citizens to hold their elected officials accountable for their actions.
• In some cases, it can even lead to elected officials being able to get away with corruption or other wrongdoing.

The decline of local journalism is a serious problem that has far-reaching consequences. It is important to take action to support local news organizations and to advocate for policies that will help to ensure that local journalism continues to thrive.