Lost Storytellers: The Information Apocalypse in the Modern Newsroom

Lost Storytellers is an eye-opening look at the decline of local journalism and the importance of trusted local reporting in the era of "fake news" and clickbait. Award-winning photojournalist John Pendygraft argues that community journalists can reclaim their roles as local storytellers and that the public good demands it.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 262 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2022
Publisher: University Press of Florida

In the era of clickbait, community journalism emerges as a chilling, incisive, and firsthand exploration of the landscape of local news. Lost Storytellers, an award-winning photojournalist, delves into the pressing issue of the decline of local journalism, raising concerns about the future of democracy. John Pendygraft, through his experiences at the Tampa Bay Times, a prominent newspaper in Florida, questions how Americans have lost trust in the media and proposes strategies for local newsrooms to regain it.

Pendygraft employs his own experiences at the Tampa Bay Times to illustrate the critical importance of trusted local reporting in the face of the challenges posed by "fake news," clickbait, conspiracy theories, and social media. Through interviews with his colleagues, a deep dive into the history of his beloved paper, and insights into the evolutionary psychology of storytelling, Pendygraft argues that community journalists can reclaim their roles as local storytellers, serving the public good.

Lost Storytellers offers valuable insights for anyone seeking clarity in the complex world of media, politics, and community well-being. It sheds light on the ways in which multi-national media conglomerates manipulate news cycles, creating chaos and crisis, and explores the potential for community journalists to counter these narratives. By advocating for the importance of local reporting and storytelling, Pendygraft encourages readers to become more engaged and informed citizens, contributing to the health and vitality of their communities.

In conclusion, Lost Storytellers is a thought-provoking and essential read for anyone interested in understanding the state of local journalism and the role it plays in shaping our democratic society. Through the lens of John Pendygraft's experiences and insights, this book offers a roadmap for reclaiming the trust of the public and revitalizing the role of community journalists in the information age.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780813068664