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Local News and Democracy
Local news reporting plays a pivotal role in the health of our communities—and our democracy.
That’s why the League of Women Voters of Washington, which is mission-focused on defending democracy and educating voters, supports both advocacy and education for local news and democracy.
Empowering voters to defend democracy requires:
- Skills to help discern what is true
- Understanding the role local news plays in healthy communities and democracy
Watch this eight-minute video and discover:
- Why journalism is important and how it works
- Different ways information is delivered and how that can influence our perception of the message
- What is media and news literacy and why we need it
LWVWA Media & News Literacy Workshops
Developed by LWVWA League members on the Media Literacy and News Education team
Learn how to be a savvy consumer of media and news by watching the recordings of four online, interactive workshops available for League members only.
- The Power of Critical Thinking
- Making Sense of Information (mis- and disinformation, rumors)
- Techniques Used to Sway Opinion
- Get to Know Artificial Intelligence (AI)
LWVUS Digital Democracy: Media Literacy for Democratic Participation Series
Developed by the National League
Civic participation requires understanding how information moves online—who shapes it, how technology amplifies it, and how citizens can navigate it thoughtfully. A series of recorded webinars from LWVUS helps individuals:
- Understand how and why online civic information spreads
- Recognize emerging digital actors and tools that shape public opinion
- Build confidence in evaluating information without needing to be technical experts
For League members only: Get more details on how to watch.
Check here in early 2027 for a toolkit League volunteers can use to present media and news literacy tips to their community.
Flyers for Leagues to print and share
Tips to be an informed voter
Developed by LWVWA League members on the Media Literacy and News Education team
Use these ready-to-print flyers to promote trusted sources for election information and fact-checking websites. When printed on 8.5x11 paper, each pdf provides two copies of the flyer. Just cut the paper in half.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Election Information
Developed by the National League
- This 5.5x8.5 color flyer is available in English and Spanish.
Links to media literacy education websites
This list of resources is not intended to imply endorsement of any organization or institution.
Value of trustworthy, fact-based journalism
- LWVWA Study: The Decline of Local News and its Impact on Democracy
- Society of Professional Journalists: Code of Ethics
- University of Washington: Center for an Informed Public
- Northwestern University, Medill Local News Initiative: Local News Barometer and Watch List
- Washington State University, Edward R. Murrow College of Communications study: Washington’s Local News Ecosystem
Books
- Media Literacy in Action by Renee Hobbs
Critical thinking
- Logical Fallacies
- CNN Special Report: Finland’s curriculum to identify disinformation
- Critical Thinking Resources
Fact checking
- The Poynter Institute: Fact-Checking
- The Poynter Institute: PolitiFact
- Snopes
- Associated Press: AP Fact Check
- USA FACTS
- FastCheck.org
- Google Image Search https://images.google.com/
Bias in media
- CWU Library Guides: https://libguides.lib.cwu.edu/fakenews
- Allsides: https://www.allsides.com/unbiased-balanced-news
- Ad Fontes Media: Media Bias Chart
- Media Bias/Fact Check
Courses
- Poynter Institute: How to Spot Misinformation Online
- University of Michigan: Understanding and countering disinformation
- Temple University Libraries: “Fake News,” Misinformation & Disinformation
Media Literacy Resources for Youth
- CNN Special Report: Finland’s curriculum to identify disinformation
- Study.com Media Literacy Definition, skills and examples
- Common Sense Media
- Media Smarts (Canadian) Teacher Resources
- Australian Media Literacy Alliance (Resources for Educators)
- Learning.com AI Literacy
- Office Of the Superintendent of Public Instruction Washington state website
Have questions about the Media Literacy and News Education Project? Send an email to MediaNewsEd@lwvwa.org. Please allow 48 hours for a response.