As local Leagues prepare for 2024 Program Planning, they should be aware of the state League's bid to have LWVUS adopt our positions on Local News through a concurrence process. Each local League can assist this effort by submitting individual requests to LWVUS to adopt the positions by concurrence.
The Decline of Local News & Its Impact on Democracy is a seminal study that was completed by the LWVWA last year. The Study shows that the loss of local news can have serious consequences for communities in a variety of ways:
- In areas without a local news source, there are fewer candidates running for office, a lower voter turnout, and decreased civic engagement.
- Without a local news watch "watchdog," the cost of government can increase through the decline of bond ratings.
- There is an increase in political divisiveness when information is limited.
- Finally, a lack of local news sources can result in public health challenges because messaging is limited.
The LWVWA Study was disseminated to all of the local Leagues, and a statewide consensus process gave rise to the adoption of advocacy positions for rebuilding local news.
Because the League is a grassroots organization, each of the local Leagues will have an opportunity to suggest programs to LWVUS through the 2024-2026 Program Planning Survey. When filling out the survey, we encourage each local League to complete the following process:
- Select "yes" when promoted with the question “Would you like to recommend another program item, in addition to or instead of the Campaign for Making Democracy Work®?"—this will prompt a drop down menu with two additional questions.
- Select "representative government" in response to the question,"please check which of the four LWVUS issue headings your recommendation would fall under."
- You will then be prompted to provide a statement describing the scope of the recommendation. The LWVWA has prepared language for that statement:
"The LWVWA’s study The Decline of Local News and Its Impact on Democracy showed local news media outlets are declining at an alarming rate. This loss impacts our democracy, including: (1) fewer candidates running for office; (2) lower voter turnout; (3) increased political divisiveness; (4) decreased civic engagement; (5) increased cost for government; and (6) public health challenges. These issues are occurring nationwide.
Based on this study, LWVWA adopted positions, including this position in brief: “The League of Women Voters of Washington believes it is the responsibility of the government to provide support for conditions under which credible local journalism can survive and thrive.”
National adoption of the LWVWA positions on Local News would provide the basis for League advocacy on national, state, and local legislation aimed at rebuilding independent local news outlets and expanding news media literacy. No resources are needed for adopting this concurrence.
The League of Women Voters of Washington supports credible and ethical local journalism—in whatever format it is published—as it is essential to our democracy. We support efforts to ensure everyone has access to the information necessary to cast an informed ballot and believe credible local news sources are integral to this pursuit.
The LWVWA also believes media literacy and news education, including support for journalism students, are essential. These opportunities should be expanded in schools and throughout communities. We believe support for the viability of local news may take a variety of forms and control of the content published must remain exclusively with the news organizations.
The League of Women Voters of Washington believes that everyone should have access to comprehensive, credible local news—and that barriers to access should be removed. These barriers include, but are not limited to, geography, economic status, and education.
We encourage each of the local Leagues in Washington to participate and support our national consensus effort!
If you have any questions about this, please contact Shelley Kneip.
