Local journalism in the United States is facing a crisis as the decline of newspapers and journalists continues to escalate. Since 2005, more than 2,500 newspapers and 43,000 journalists have disappeared, largely due to a decrease in advertising revenue and strong online competition. This has led to the emergence of “news deserts,” with over 200 counties in the US lacking a local newspaper and 1,500 others only having access to one regional source of information, often a weekly publication.
The impact of this decline in local journalism is significant, with one in five Americans now living in an area with no local news coverage. Without local journalists to cover important issues and hold local governments accountable, communities are left in the dark about what is happening in their own backyard.
FRANCE 24’s Pierrick Leurent and Wassim Cornet have delved into this issue, shedding light on the challenges facing local journalism in the US. The situation is dire, with the need for reliable local news more important than ever.
As the landscape of journalism evolves, it is crucial to address the crisis facing local news outlets and find sustainable solutions to ensure communities have access to the vital information they need. The future of journalism in the US may depend on it.
Watch the video by FRANCE 24 English
Video “Local journalism in crisis amid growing polarisation in US • FRANCE 24 English” was uploaded on 09/09/2024 to Youtube Channel FRANCE 24 English