America’s news deserts and the 2024 election

Access to reliable local news is essential, especially during election seasons. However, many areas in the US, known as news deserts, lack sufficient local news coverage. In Val Verde County, Texas, for instance, residents rely on sources like Spanish-language newspapers from Mexico or word of mouth from local businesses and individuals to stay informed about local politics. The absence of a local newspaper, like the Del Rio News Herald, leaves a gap in reporting on economic development and local races. It's crucial for resources to be allocated to sustain local journalism, as it plays a vital role in informing and engaging communities.

Access to local news in Val Verde County, Texas, has become increasingly limited since the closure of the Del Rio News Herald. Diana Fuentes, the former editor and publisher, left the paper a dozen years ago when it was still financially stable through ads, legal notices, and subscriptions. Now, residents must rely on a nonpartisan online news site for local news, as well as the efforts of experienced local reporter Karen Gleason. The county, which is considered a news desert due to its limited access to credible and comprehensive news, is now relying on community interactions and resources like the library to stay informed. Despite the challenges, librarian Barbara Galvan encourages fact-checking and multiple sources to ensure accurate information. The commissioners' meetings provide crucial insight into local issues, but without consistent reporting, the community's connection to grassroots democracy and a greater sense of belonging may be impacted.

Local journalism, particularly in rural and underserved areas, is facing significant challenges. Karen Gleason, a veteran journalist reporting from Valverde, Texas, shared her experiences covering the 2021 Haitian migrant crisis at the border. In the absence of a daily newspaper, she relied on local connections and an online news site, 830 Times, to bring news to the community. However, even with multiple information sources, the definition and quality of news can be debated. Joel Langton, 830 Times publisher, acknowledged the challenges of running a local news outlet and the criticism of being labeled a "news desert." Meanwhile, a former border agent used social media to provide his perspective on the situation. The lack of local news coverage was also highlighted in the context of a contentious election in North Carolina. Penny Muse Abernathy, a professor at Northwestern University, emphasized that even in "news deserts," there are still resources for information, but their quality and depth may vary. The decline of local news in America is a pressing issue, with 204 news deserts and 228 counties at high risk identified by Northwestern University's Local News Initiative.

The decline of local news coverage in America has significant consequences, including decreased participation in local elections. This was exemplified in the North Carolina 9th congressional district during the 2018 election, where election fraud went unnoticed by the media despite clear evidence. The absence of local investigative reporting allowed the issue to go unaddressed, leading to voter apathy and a lack of accountability. Innovative solutions, such as nonprofit organizations and partnerships with other news outlets, are emerging to help fill the gaps left by the decline of local news. These initiatives are crucial for ensuring that important local issues are reported and that communities are informed and engaged.

The decline of local newspapers and the rise of digital media and algorithm-generated content are leaving many communities, like King George County in Virginia, with a lack of credible and sustained news coverage. This can lead to a reliance on social media for information, which while convenient, can also result in the spread of biased or inaccurate information. The irony is that these communities are growing and becoming more complex, yet they have fewer resources to cover the news. For instance, the King George News, a vintage local paper, has been replaced by a single nonprofit umbrella organization for for-profit newspapers, and the last local paper, the King George Journal, closed due to declining ad revenue and the availability of free news on social media. The Freelance Star, a paper published nearby, does have a local reporter, but its staff is much reduced due to low ad revenue. Residents like Lynn Pardee and Kara Gonzalez, who work in the community and serve on local boards, have noted the lack of news media interest in their area. The situation is further complicated by the proliferation of free publications with sensational and biased headlines. It's essential for residents to critically evaluate the credibility of their news sources to ensure they are getting accurate and trustworthy information.

The decline of local newspapers and the rise of self-curated news sources can lead to the creation of personal "news deserts," limiting exposure to diverse perspectives and potentially skewing individual worldviews. The speaker, a retired engineer and former newspaper publisher, shared his experience of creating and running a local newspaper in Virginia for over three decades, which ultimately became unsustainable due to financial losses and his own aging. Now, his printing company focuses on producing campus newspapers to keep the business alive. The loss of the aggressive and investigative reporting provided by the newspaper was lamented by some local politicians, highlighting the importance of such journalism in holding power accountable. The conversation underscores the need for continued support and investment in local journalism to ensure a well-informed populace and a healthy democracy.

The decline of local newspapers and the rise of the internet and social media have left many communities without adequate and credible sources of information. This is a significant problem, as people need access to accurate and fact-checked news to make informed decisions and hold their local governments accountable. The contraction of retail and the shift of advertising dollars to larger corporations have further strained the financial situation of local newspapers. The internet and social media have not yet proven to be effective alternatives for community journalism, with many hyperlocal publications struggling financially and relying on soft news rather than hard reporting on government and courts. This leaves a gap in coverage that communities need to stay informed and engaged.

The decline of community newspapers has led to a "news desert" in many areas, where residents have limited access to credible and comprehensive local news. This vicious cycle of declining subscriptions leading to fewer resources for coverage, and in turn, less coverage leading to fewer subscriptions, has left many communities ignorant about important local issues. Despite the erosion of newspaper economics for decades, there seems to be no clear solution to bring these newspapers back, whether in print or digital form, due to the expense. Innovations and new business models are being explored to fill news voids, but it remains to be seen whether they will be successful. This issue of access to local news is crucial for grassroots democracy and a sense of community connection. The podcast "Sold A Story" sheds light on the failed efforts to teach children to read, and the importance of improving literacy to ensure that individuals can fully engage with the news and information available to them.