Topography of a news ecosystem: A first-of-its-kind study diagnoses the local news crisis in a single state Media scholars at the University of Maryland documented the spread of local news dead spots — and unexpected vibrant areas — in that state. April 19, 2024 Christopher Hanson
Two new books are essential reading for anyone considering a news startup One tells the stories of entrepreneurs taking the plunge. The other focuses on the tools, techniques and trends across an evolving media landscape April 16, 2024 Bill Mitchell
Opinion | Is local news access tied to how much money you make? A new report identifies the disparity between the haves and have-nots for local journalism — and household income plays a big role. February 22, 2024 Tom Jones
Opinion | Some of the biggest victims of news deserts are conservative voters in conservative counties Strengthening local news would have broad civic benefits and could lead to happier, healthier communities, whether red, purple or blue. December 7, 2023 Steven Waldman
Opinion | On the front lines of the local news crisis, a lot of pain but some reason for hope Growing news deserts are leaving far too many people without a trusted source of information. But there’s also been positive news lately. November 28, 2023 Kim Kleman
US lost more than two local newspapers a week this year, new Medill report finds Over half of counties in the US now have just one or no local news outlets November 16, 2023 Angela Fu
Press Forward announces goal to ‘raise the next $500 million at the local level’ So far, local chapters have been announced in Alaska, Illinois, Minnesota, Kansas and Philadelphia November 3, 2023 Kristen Hare
An illustrated guide to ‘pink slime’ journalism These low-effort websites fill the vacuum where real local news used to be. October 5, 2023 Annie Aguiar
Opinion | A century-old publication goes dark in West Virginia As the weekly Welch News shuts its doors, a coal county struggles to fulfill basic community tasks, the AP writes. July 28, 2023 Amaris Castillo
Opinion | How student journalists are filling the void to help save local news More than 120 programs pair college students with seasoned editors to provide meaningful local news for communities that lack it April 12, 2023 Richard Watts
Vast gaps in fact-checking across the US allow politicians to elude scrutiny Only a small percentage of politicians and other public officials are held accountable for the accuracy of the claims they make. March 31, 2023 Mark Stencel
Why Ralph Nader is launching a print newspaper Beginning with his hometown in northwest Connecticut, the 88-year-old consumer advocate is determined to do something about the news desert crisis. January 31, 2023 Greg Burns
How we end local news deserts There is no single solution. The problem requires a coordinated, multi-pronged approach. Here are some ideas. August 30, 2022 Penelope Muse Abernathy
Meet the regional newspaper barons building large chains around the country A handful of media organizations are aggressively buying daily and weekly newspapers in small and mid-sized markets without much fanfare. July 13, 2022 Greg Burns
Opinion | We are becoming a nation of local news haves and have nots And the solutions we are pursuing may be locking in this divide. July 6, 2022 Steven Waldman
