The news of the recent selling of the Scranton Times-Tribune raises concerns about the effect of local news agencies continuing to be bought out by national companies who place profits before news.
The company that bought the Times-Tribune, MediaNews Group, is owned by Alden Global Capital, a company notorious for making significant staffing cuts. A recent article published by The Times-Tribune reported that 11 longtime staff members took buyouts. The combined years of service to local journalism amongst these staff members was 315 years.
According to Democracy Fund, an independent and nonpartisan organization that works to strengthen America’s democratic values, local news directly affects the health of a community’s democracy.
People rely on local news outlets to provide information about local elections, community legislative board meetings, new policies and local regulations. Local news organizations also inform people about community fundraisers, family-friendly events and social networking opportunities.
Cuts to local newsrooms result in fewer reporters in a community, which means stories go uncovered. A decrease in reporting can lead to a decrease in civic and social participation, especially local voter participation.
A study done by researchers in Denmark found a direct correlation between local news media coverage and voter turnout.
The 2023 Pennsylvania Election will include candidates for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, local judicial officials and school board members. The decisions made by those officials up for election this year will directly impact our local communities.
Journalists act as watchdogs for local democracy. Without reporters to cover town hall meetings, school board meetings and other public meetings, decisions made may go unnoticed until they impact our lives in one way or another.
Journalism is a vital part of any democracy. Some would argue that news media acts as a “fourth branch” of our government, alongside the legislative, executive and judicial branches.
Journalists act as part of a checks and balances system for government officials. Cuts to local journalism could result in damage to local democracy.
The Wood Word supports local journalists of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Contact the editorial board: [email protected]
