State of Local Journalism Assignment

Overall, these three articles discuss the importance of local journalism and how it must be reinvented. Many communities across the country either do not have local news coverage or have inadequate local journalism. These articles argue that without local journalism, communities across America will suffer and news deserts will increase.

These articles also offer solutions to the decline in local journalism. The role of nonprofit and philanthropy work in supporting local journalism is highlighted throughout these articles along with how lawmakers can make a difference.

In the article “A Future without the Front Page,” it is mentioned that many journalists within the Report for America initiative see local journalism as a public service. I agree with this view because I believe reporters hold a vital and authoritative role in society. The public depends on quality journalism in their every day lives and trusts the media to provide information.

Another point highlighted in the letters responding to “A Future without the Front page,” is that philanthropy must step up to contribute to the reinvention of local journalism. I agree with this reader in that the mission of philanthropy perfectly fits with the idea of upholding quality journalism. Great local journalism is a way of positively serving a community.

In response to the article, “A Future without the Front page,” another reader suggested that public policy must come in to play to stop newspapers from closing and keep the amount of local journalists from declining. The Civic Info Bill in New Jersey is one example of how governments are getting involved in supporting local journalism.

Philanthropic and government action must be taken to save communities that are becoming news desserts. Without quality journalism in local areas, those in power are not held accountable and the distrust in the media we currently see today will only increase.