When No News is Bad News: The Struggle to Save Local Journalism

The most critical feedback loop in a democracy is a free press and access to vital information. Yet decades of corporate consolidation allowed giant conglomerates to annihilate local news outlets and predatory hedge funds are leaving news deserts in their wake. In 2025, a fifth of people in the U.S. live with little or no access to local news and three quarters of newspaper jobs have been axed over the last 20 years. But new models are crystallizing to fill the void, thanks to innovating journalists and publishers.

Featuring

Larry Ryckman, co-founder and Editor of The Colorado Sun, was previously: Senior Editor at The Denver Post; Managing Editor at The Gazette in Colorado Springs; and City Editor at the Greeley Tribune. 

Madeleine Bair, founder of El Tímpano, an award-winning civic media organization designed with and for the Bay Area’s Latino and Mayan immigrant communities. 

Jacob Simas, Oakland-based Community Journalism Director at Cityside Journalism Initiative. 

Credits

Executive Producer: Kenny Ausubel

Written by: Claire Reynolds & Kenny Ausubel

Producer: Claire Reynolds

Senior Producer and Station Relations: Stephanie Welch

Associate Producer: Emily Harris

Producer: Teo Grossman

Interview Recording Engineer: Rod Akil at KPFA studios

Production Assistance: Kaleb Wentzel Fisher

Host and Consulting Producer: Neil Harvey

This is an episode of the Bioneers: Revolution from the Heart of Nature series. Visit the radio and podcast homepage to for show notes and more.