All articles tagged with #local journalism
The Federal Communications Commission plans a vote to end the 39% national cap on owning broadcast stations, a move championed by Chair Brendan Carr who argues streaming has rendered the rule obsolete; opponents warn it could harm local journalism and note that only Congress can change the cap, even as the commission has used a one-time waiver to push a Nexstar-Tegna merger, which faces legal challenges.
The 240-year-old Pittsburgh Post-Gazette was saved from closure when the Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism—a nonprofit behind the Baltimore Banner—agreed to buy the paper’s assets from Block Communications and operate it starting May 4, with Block continuing to run its other properties. The deal aims to sustain local reporting through a diversified, nonprofit-supported model, even as union issues and existing liabilities remain a factor in the broader context of local journalism’s funding challenges.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette will be sold to the Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism, the nonprofit publisher of the Baltimore Banner, effective May 4, with the newsroom staying in Pittsburgh and print days maintained (Thursday and Sunday) while staff may shrink; the sale prevents the paper from closing after years of losses by Block Communications, and unions await talks with the new owners.
The Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism, The Baltimore Banner’s nonprofit parent, has agreed to buy the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette from Block Communications and convert it into a nonprofit, preventing its closure with assets to transfer on May 4; the deal is funded in part by Bainum’s philanthropy and aims to stabilize local journalism by consolidating operations and fixed costs across Baltimore and Pittsburgh.
The closure of the historic Pittsburgh Post-Gazette highlights the ongoing decline of local newspapers, driven by structural financial challenges and labor disputes, which poses a significant threat to local democracy by reducing civic engagement and increasing misinformation, despite the rise of social media.
Oscar Nuñez, known for his role as Oscar Martinez on 'The Office,' stars in 'The Paper,' a Peacock series that humorously explores the struggles of local journalism and features his character navigating a new career at a struggling newspaper, while also addressing his past experiences and identity.
David Mitchell, the editor of The Point Reyes Light, a small California newspaper, has passed away at the age of 79. Mitchell's newspaper won a Pulitzer Prize in 1979 for its exposé on Synanon, a drug rehabilitation program turned violent cult. The investigation led to a landmark ruling by the California Supreme Court, protecting the rights of investigative reporters to keep the names of confidential sources secret. Mitchell's dedication to local journalism and his efforts to shed light on important stories, including the experiences of Mexican immigrants in Marin County, were highly regarded.
A shelter in place directive has been issued in Steamboat and Routt County due to the evolving coronavirus pandemic, and the local community is being urged to support the Steamboat Pilot & Today's efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism by making financial contributions.
Gannett, a media company, has received nearly 1,000 applications for reporter positions covering Taylor Swift's Eras Tour and Beyoncé's Renaissance Tour, believing that these high-profile beats will help save local journalism. The company had previously laid off over 6% of its news division but has since hired over 260 journalists and plans to fill more than 100 open positions.
The Marion County Record, a family-owned newspaper in Kansas, has a history of hard-hitting reporting and holding local officials accountable. Recently, the newspaper was raided by the police, prompting concerns over press freedom violations. The raid disrupted the newspaper's work and drew attention away from important local issues. The Marion County Record is the only publication covering Marion, a rural community, and has been instrumental in exposing various local controversies. The newspaper's staff is now focused on recovering their confiscated equipment and seeking compensation for damages caused by the raid.
The closure of The Welch News, a 100-year-old newspaper in McDowell County, West Virginia, has left residents feeling isolated and uninformed. The loss of the local news outlet has resulted in a lack of coverage on public meetings, local events, and important issues such as infrastructure upgrades and disinformation. With limited internet access and no local radio or television stations, the community is struggling to stay connected and informed. The closure highlights the ongoing decline of American newspapers, disproportionately affecting rural communities and exacerbating the information gap.
Hundreds of unionized Gannett journalists across the US will go on strike on June 5, coinciding with the company's annual shareholders meeting. The NewsGuild-CWA is calling on shareholders to withhold their votes on CEO Mike Reed, citing job cuts and dwindling local news coverage. Gannett says it is saving local journalism through its "Project Breakthrough" initiative. Unionized journalists say they are deeply underpaid, while Reed made around $3.4m in 2022. The strike will not include employees at Gannett's design/editing centers.
The Boston Globe has launched a new local journalism initiative, Boston Globe New Hampshire, following the success of its expansion into Rhode Island. The initiative will cover stories that matter to the Granite State community, with Steven Porter and Amanda Gokee leading the team. The Globe has won a Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting in New Hampshire and has covered local and national political issues. The initiative will also launch a weekday email newsletter, Globe NH | Morning Report, and offer a dedicated New Hampshire section for readers.