By Dee Anne Finken, Local and Regional News Study Chair, LWV of Washington

The state study looking at the impact of the decline in local and regional news operations continues its work as the new year begins: the study group has already conducted 20 interviews, primarily with scholars, journalism professionals, and government and civic leaders. The 10 League members who are participating have reviewed more than 400 articles and other documents.

Among the findings to date are a correlation between the decline and increased public financing costs, less scrutiny of government and corporate decisions and actions, greater political polarization, and reduced civic engagement.

Studies the group has reviewed include Financing Dies in Darkness: The Impact of Newspaper Closures on Public Finance; When Towns Lose Their Newspapers, Disease Detectives Are Left Flying Blind; When Newspapers Close, Voters Become More Partisan; and Civic Engagement Strongly Tied to Local News Habits. 

Much has been written about the national decline; this study group is tracking staff cutbacks and closures in Washington state, and then looking at how those reductions are impacting various aspects of our society, including public health, public financing, civic engagement, and political participation (by candidates and voters). We are tracking how civic and government leaders view these changes and specifically how they impact our basic democratic systems.

The group is researching a range of suggestions for turning the tide, including the development of community partnerships, nonprofits, and legislation. Also being addressed is how the pandemic has changed the climate for news organizations and consumers.

Another area being explored is the impact social media giants are having, from publishing content local and regional news operations produce to the advertising revenues they capture. Additionally, sources are addressing the impact of misinformation and disinformation from social media and so-called “pink slime” publications that, while pretending to focus on local news, are actually promoting partisan issues and gathering user data.