The Loss of Local News—A Good Story
Episode 77
Stat: 47 percent: The percentage decline of newsroom employees at newspapers between 2008 and 2018.
Story: Newspapers are cutting staff or closing altogether, but in the final episode of our local news series we visit The Berkshire Eagle in western Massachusetts, which is bucking that trend. We speak to the publisher and editor who are adding reporters and to community leaders who value a local paper in their civic life.
Related resources:
Now That’s a Good Story: News Revival in Berkshires
Fredric D. Rutberg: Support Local Journalism Because It’s Good for You
U.S. Newsroom Employment Has Dropped by a Quarter Since 2008, With Greatest Decline at Newspapers
New PEN America Report Shows Local Watchdog Journalism Faces a Crisis Moment