Local Newspapers: Beacons of Community and Democracy
In an era where news consumption is increasingly fragmented and partisan, local newspapers remain beacons of community and democracy. They record the triumphs and tragedies of our lives, providing a shared experience that unites us across political and social divides. They hold those in power accountable and serve as a vital source of information for citizens to make informed decisions.
However, the closure of eight Minnesota newspapers this month is a stark reminder of the precarious state of local journalism in the United States. These small papers, serving communities such as Hutchinson and Savage, reached scarcely 40,000 readers. But their impact extended far beyond their circulation numbers.
They were repositories of local history, chronicling the stories of businesses, families, and individuals that shaped the character of their communities. They celebrated the achievements of local athletes, honored the deeds of Good Samaritans, and mourned the passing of community elders. Through obituaries and local news coverage, they gave us a sense of common experience and shared interests in a time when such common ground is increasingly scarce.
Beyond their social value, local newspapers play a crucial role in fostering democratic capital. Studies have shown that communities that lose their newspapers experience lower voter participation and higher levels of political misinformation. This is because local newspapers provide a trusted and accessible source of information about local candidates and issues, allowing citizens to make informed choices at the ballot box.
The closure of these Minnesota newspapers is a symptom of a larger crisis facing local journalism in the United States. One-third of American newspapers have vanished since 2005, along with two-thirds of newspaper journalism jobs. As a result, some 200 American counties with millions of residents are now “news deserts” without an independent local source of news.
While skeptics may argue that the internet provides ample alternative sources of news, this is a superficial view. Social media platforms like Facebook lack the journalistic rigor and editorial oversight of traditional news organizations. They are also prone to the spread of misinformation and disinformation.
Local newspapers, with their commitment to accuracy and fairness, have historically provided Americans with a “public square”—a common place and a shared set of facts that allow us to do our jobs as citizens. We may disagree about how to shrink the federal budget deficit, but we can agree that it’s a serious problem. We may disagree about how to address climate change, but we can agree that the planet is getting hotter.
While promising new journalism models are emerging, often operating as nonprofits supported by members or foundations, they cannot fully replace the reach and impact of traditional local newspapers. The loss of these newspapers is a blow to communities and a threat to American democracy. Here’s hoping that Minnesota can reverse this trend and preserve the vital role of local journalism in our state.
