Ghosting the News: Local Journalism and the Crisis of American Democracy

Ghosting the News is an excellent introduction to the critical problem of our republic, with a wake-up call to action. It highlights the damage caused by the absence of accountability journalism, and surveys new efforts to keep local news alive.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n \n Publication date: 30 July 2020
\n Publisher: Columbia Global Reports
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The loss of local news is a critical issue that affects democracy and the quality of life in many countries. In the United States, for example, 1,800 print newspaper outlets closed between 2004 and 2015, resulting in a significant loss of accountability journalism and a lack of information for citizens. In Canada, one in five news organizations has closed since 2008, and in Brazil, one in three people lives in a news desert.

The absence of local news has had a wide-ranging impact on society. It has allowed politicians who have been indicted or accused of misconduct to be elected, school superintendents to mismanage districts, and police chiefs to receive mysterious payouts. This lack of transparency and accountability has eroded trust in government and contributed to a sense of disillusionment among citizens.

Despite the challenges, there are efforts underway to address the loss of local news. Non-profit digital sites, for example, are emerging as a source of information and accountability for communities. These sites often rely on volunteers and donations to operate and provide a valuable alternative to traditional news outlets.

Another effort is modeled on the Peace Corps and aims to train and support local journalists in developing countries. This program, called the Global Journalism Initiative, aims to provide journalists with the skills and resources they need to report on important issues in their communities.

While these efforts are promising, it is clear that more needs to be done to address the loss of local news. Governments, media organizations, and citizens must work together to find solutions to this growing crisis. The loss of local news has serious consequences for democracy, and it is essential that we take action to address this issue before it becomes even more severe.

\n Weight: 128g\n
Dimension: 126 x 189 x 11 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781733623780\n \n