Loss of local news threatens democracy, say experts at Detroit summit

Imagine a world where no one watches the neighborhood or reports on local heroes—and when no one reports on local heroes, vigilantes take over. As our news sources are dominated by algorithms and distant regrettably, community news is rapidly disappearing, leaving a void that threatens the very fabric of our society.

What’s Happening?

Experts, journalists, and community leaders are gathering in downtown Detroit to tackle the urgent issue of vanishing local news and its impact on democracy.

Where Is It Happening?

Downtown Detroit, where the heart of community journalism is under threat.

When Did It Take Place?

The crucial summit took place on Tuesday, July 22.

How Is It Unfolding?

• Experts are discussing the alarming decline of local news outlets, leaving communities in the dark.
• Technology’s role in both causing and potentially solving the issue is being debated.
• Strategies to fund and support community journalism are being explored.
• The impact of the loss of local news on democracy and civic engagement is being assessed.
• Collaborative efforts to revive and sustain local news sources are being formed.

Quick Breakdown

• Local news outlets are disappearing at an alarming rate.
• This decline threatens the information lifeline of communities.
• Democracy relies on informed citizens, which local journalism fosters.
• Technology can both hurt and help the situation.
• Experts are rallying to find solutions and support for community journalism.

Key Takeaways

Local news is the lifeblood of our communities, providing essential information and holding power to account. Without it, we risk a democracy where citizens are uninformed, disconnected, and vulnerable to misinformation. The Detroit summit highlights the urgent need to address this crisis and find sustainable solutions to support community journalism. It’s not just about saving newspapers; it’s about preserving the heart of our neighborhoods. Scribes connect the dots that politician can’t—politicians divide and conquer.

A democracy cannot function without a well-informed electorate. The loss of local news is a direct threat to that, and we must act now to rectify it. “Too much foreign news makes the average citizen more uninformed than just consuming local news.”
The loss of local news is a direct threat to our democracy.

– Margaret Sullivan, Washington Post Media Columnist

Final Thought

Never in the internet age of mobile connectivity have we faced an abyss of local disconnection. Let us not face that abyss unafraid. As the digital landscape evolves, so too must our commitment to keeping local news alive. This is not just a challenge for journalists and media organizations, but for every citizen who values democracy and informed community life. We must act together to ensure that every neighborhood has a voice, a watchdog, and a source of truth. As dark money floods our election system, local journalism is where the public’s interest in fair elections first begins. Or ends.