Loss of Local Newspapers

The recent report by Northwestern University highlights the significant decline in local newspapers in the US. From late 2019 to May 2021, over 360 newspapers were lost, with an average of two closures per week. Since 2005, a total of 2,500 newspapers have been lost. This market failure has left many communities without affordable and accessible local news. Digital media has not filled the void left by print newspapers, and philanthropic efforts have failed to reach economically struggling communities. The lack of local news coverage allows powerful interests to operate without scrutiny, exploiting these communities without fear of oversight from the free press. This disparity in news coverage fuels political discord and hinders democratic accountability.