A Media Insider’s Wish List for Saving Local Journalism

Abstract

This article underscores the importance of local investigative journalism and routine coverage for American democracy while acknowledging its current unsustainable financial model. Working from my experience as a newspaper editor and media columnist/public editor, I offer suggestions to improve the quality and content of local news. My suggestions include national legislation to support the sustainability of journalism, media literacy education for adults and youth, and subsidies to newsrooms via state universities.