Newspapers are known as black, white and “read” all over. They have been a staple, yet timeless form of medium for hundreds of years. However, within the last two generations, the occupancy of technology has us ditching the ink and turning the daily newspaper into online content.
That’s not to say that newspapers aren’t still relevant, but their traction has certainly declined. Social media has altered how the public receives news. In other words, Instagram, Twitter and other online news websites have become society’s “replacement” for the newspaper and even radio and TV channel news. We have shifted into a new world of journalism and newspaper companies are certainly feeling the effects.
What are “News Deserts?”
News deserts are known as “an area that doesn’t acquire any coverage from news outlets.” Unfortunately, news deserts have become more common in recent years due to print media being unable to “keep up” with the fast pace of the digital world.
According to mprnews.org, “Gannett publishes newspapers like USA Today, as well as many local weekly papers. Despite managing many local outlets, it has been cutting down for years.” The number of employees and the flow of newspapers have been shrinking, and it doesn’t seem to be getting better.
In 2019, Gannett combined with GateHouse Media. The companies had 25,000 employees but has decreased to 11,000 in only a few years. They even began reducing their production of papers and cutting down their circulation of papers to a steady rate. According to a report from Nieman Lab, Gannett has dropped its number of dailies and weeklies: in 2019, Gannet owned 261 dailies and 302 weeklies. In 2022, it owned only 217 dailies and 175 weeklies.
What does this mean for local news?
Less newspapers mean less coverage, which results in a less informed public. Although larger news outlets are still reporting and providing content, local news outlets are taking the hit, and that’s a major problem. It’s important that local news has a sphere of influence. Communities need local news focused on their specific needs and people within it, not just national news that covers everything around the country.
CEO of Gannett, Mike Reed, fears the negative effects of the absence of local news.
“Those larger weeklies and smaller dailies are in a really tough position economically. It’s very difficult to manage the cost while emphasizing digital subscriptions and getting enough of them to make things work out. There are also communities where there often isn’t as much of an alternative in terms of a local television station or a local digital news outlet that’s covering the area,” said Reed.
One might shrug their shoulders when hearing that newspapers are dying out. However, the newspapers themselves aren’t the issue anymore, it’s more about public awareness. Important decisions — such as staffing and production — as well as keeping people safe are at stake.
Reed has explained his view on what the lack of local coverage means and its effects on communities.
“I see a lot more uncovered city council meetings. I see a lot more corruption that doesn’t get noticed. I see a lot more uninformed voters, more people who take their cues for how they view their government from national media and the politicized world there as opposed to their local government. There certainly are bright spots. There are green shoots going up, but the challenge is just very difficult,” said Reed.
The message is clear that this technology-based world has altered news in ways we could never imagine. Although it has its perks, it’s important to recognize the value local news and smaller print companies have on the public and the impact they can have.
So, what do you think about the decrease in newspapers? Let us know by tweeting @VALLEYmag on Twitter!
