Monday to Saturday, my morning routine is to read a slew of newspapers. Generally, I start with the Washington Post, followed by the Wall Street Journal, then the New York Times, and the LA Times. I add a paper or two (Long Beach Press Telegram, Ann Arbor News, Boston Globe to the roster- but I don’t read them from cover to cover.)
[There is no Wall Street Journal on Sunday, so that’s what sets that day apart from the rest of the week.]
I do that so I can be fully informed on what is going on in the world. And, I can coalesce the various viewpoints offered into a cohesive, fact-based narrative.
I am hoping you folks also read newspapers- at least one a day to stay informed. But, it’s clear that many of us are not doing so. Too many Americans rely on alternative facts presented on TV and the web, but from the number of newspapers that are closing each month, it’s clear readership is dropping off.
Newspapers are closing at the rate of 2 a week and since 2005 about a quarter of our newspapers (about 2500) have disappeared from circulation. This has left 200 counties (with a population of 70 million, or about 20% of the US population) without a local newspaper.
The problem is that our democracy relies on a well-informed electorate, and that means good news reporting and citizens reading the news.
Not surprisingly, those communities that lack local newspapers demonstrate a lower voter turnout and declining civic engagement. (Not to mention those folks getting loaded with misinformation and disinformation that pervades these regions.)
The good news is that 22 charitable foundations have recognized this problem and committed some $ 500 million ($100 million a year for five years) to help media organizations stay alive. This is called the Press Forward initiative, where the MacArthur Foundation (the one behind the genius grants) is providing the bulk of the funds. The funds will be split among established news organizations and new entities, aiming to conquer the news deserts across America.
Along those lines, there is good news- 7 states have introduced bills to provide tax incentives to newspapers. (11 states failed in their attempts!)
I know that sounds good, but $ 500 million is a mere pittance. The true need is closer to $ 1.75 billion! After all, $100 million a year divvied up among 545 digital news organizations and 6380 newspapers would not even give $ 15000 to each entity.
But, it’s a start. And, if y’all buy a daily newspaper, then it’s more than a start- it’s rejuvenation! Moreover, you will be well informed!
With so much FAKE news out there I opt to not read the papers. So much of what is “reported” today is not reported unbiased! Too many reporters allow their personal viewpoints into their stories and taint the “news”. Having extended in the field I have come across this way too often and it discouraged me from the media in these respects. As someone who was trained to get my information and PROPERLY disseminate the information I am well better informed than most.
I agree that bias appears in EVERY post- but it is generally a mild take except for a few rabid media entities.
I always enjoyed reading our local paper, notice I said “enjoyed”. The paper now is only online and it’s hear to curl up with my cinnamon bun and “read” the paper on computer now.
Another disappearing journal. Not good!
I had no idea it was so bad. It’s good to hear that some people care, even if they can’t raise enough money.
Another challenge is that people can’t (or don’t want to) read anymore. I find it alarming that many people will COMMENT below an informative article without so much as having read it. You can tell by the sh** they comment.
Unfortunately, it is true And, your comment is spot on!
My spouse subscribes to, and reads the local newspaper. It’s become just a bland paper that reports local news days (literally) after it happens and coves worthwhile stories not with local examples but with examples counties hundreds of miles from us (it’s a Gannett paper and obviously they cut costs by running the same articles all over New York State). But still my spouse wants to support this paper because local papers deserve support. I agree we do need to support whatever local reporting is left especially in small towns.
Great addition to the discussion Alana!
As a former newspaper reporter, there is nothing like getting your news from the paper. While I’m not getting them delivered to my driveway anymore, I read the NYT on my phone every day. Thanks for reminding us about the value of good reporting.
Not sure where that misinformation is finding its way into the papersi