When Local News Declines, So Does Democracy

Local news is in crisis in Delaware, as it is around the country.

Why does it matter? What happens when local news diminishes?

Government becomes less efficient.

Cost of government borrowing goes up.

Number and salaries of government employees goes up. 

Police clear fewer violent crimes.

Less federal money is allocated locally.

Civic engagement drops.

Fewer people run for office.

Voter turnout drops.

Fewer people join civic organizations.

Fewer people contact elected officials.

Polarization increases.

Focus shifts to national news.

Split-ticket voting drops.

Misinformation and bias grows.

Consumption is up. Quality, independent, nonpartisan content is down.

Rise of partisan/special-interest outlets

Inequity increases.

Outlets in wealthy communities produce more and higher-quality news.

News is dying fastest in BIPOC communities.

Less news = less engagement + opportunity = less power for already low-power people.