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The decline of local journalism in the United States, especially print newspapers, has reached a critical mass. Zachary Richner, owner of Richner Communications, one of New York State's largest local news organizations, said the decline in trusted local news sources could lead to lower turnout, increased political polarization, and perhaps even increased oversight. He warned that the decline would lead to tax increases. Regarding local government decisions.
The crisis in local news “is not overstated,” Richner said.
According to Northwestern University's Local News Initiative, newspapers will close at an alarming rate of 2.5 per week in 2023, rising from 2 per week in 2022. Most of these closures affected regional weekly newspapers with no alternative news sources.
Growing mistrust of media institutions, market consolidation, and hostile ownership takeovers by hedge funds are putting the industry in an existential crisis, and New York State is not immune to this crisis.
New York State is not a complete news desert, but 15 counties, including neighboring Cayuga County, have only one newspaper. The number of newspapers in the state decreased by 10% from 292 in 2022 to 263 in 2023. On March 20, state lawmakers and local journalism advocates organized a march on the state Capitol, arguing that without federal action to finance local news, shutdowns will only increase.
The Local Journalism Sustainability Act is an important bipartisan bill that could provide a lifeline to struggling local news organizations. The legislation, introduced in the state Senate on Jan. 5, proposes a payroll tax credit to help local news organizations cover staff salaries.
This tax credit is designated for media companies with fewer than 100 employees, in line with the state's “small business” classification. Eligible news organizations will receive a tax credit covering 50% of journalists' salaries, up to $200,000 per year per company. Total funding for this effort statewide will be capped at $20 million.
Cole Ross | Digital Design Editor
Supporting local journalism through tax breaks is a critical step in revitalizing an industry that serves as the bedrock of our democracy. Tax credits and financial support for local news organizations allow them to hire more reporters and focus on local issues. It would not only improve the quality of information available to the public, but also help alleviate the divisive nature of the current public debate.
“Without local reporters, local news organizations must rely primarily on nationally broadcast coverage, which has little impact on the local information environment,” said co-author Joshua Darr, associate professor at the Newhouse School of Public Communication. Without a doubt, division will continue to deepen.” Article “Homestyle Opinion: How local newspapers can slow polarization.''
The absence of local news, which author and journalist John Nichols calls a “democratic safety net,” has seriously exacerbated the state of political polarization and misinformation. At the same time, thousands of web outlets masquerading as local journalism but promoting partisan stories have sprung up across the country on the Internet to fill the void left by local news. Darr argues that this option is “not a healthy option for a democracy.”
Historical precedent shows that governments always have a role to play in supporting the news industry. For local news to survive, adapt more radical support from government to ensure the viability and sustainability of local journalism and develop a more informed local electorate. is required.
But this tax break is not a panacea for the crisis that threatens the livelihood of local journalism.
“While this may help stop some of the bleeding, essentially the economic structure of local news remains intact, with news owned by the large hedge fund-led chains that own most newspapers excluded,” Dar said. Local news is the ultimate solution to this problem.
Since 2005, around 3,000 newspapers have closed down, and 43,000 journalists have gone out of business due to retirement or layoffs. If this trend continues, fewer than 6,000 newspapers will survive within 20 years.
For journalism students and non-communications students, getting involved in local news is a valuable way to understand the complexities of government and community life that are often hidden in national reporting. When politicians enact laws that support the local news industry, we too must do our part through active participation.
Actively participating in local discourse, whether through reading, writing, or simply attending local government meetings, can provide valuable insight into the need for local journalism at the level you are most likely to empathize with. will strengthen democratic governance.
Allen Huang is a second-year media studies master's student. Contact him at xhuang49@syr.edu.
Published April 8, 2024 at 1:03 AM
