When was the last time you read your local paper? Does it even still exist? In the past decade, hundreds of local newspapers have shut down. What was once an essential part of daily life – from helping you find a job to keeping you updated on local council matters – is now more often just a microfilm archive in the local record office rather than a staple of community connection.
Some may argue that local journalism isn’t dying, it’s just shifting from print to digital. As a former journalist myself, I can tell you it’s far worse than that. Local journalism is under serious threat. We’re seeing cuts, mergers, and a dangerous reliance on social media at a time when we need quality local news more than ever.
I always wanted to be a journalist. I studied journalism at university and began my career at a community radio station in Milton Keynes. It was during my time as a broadcast and digital journalist that I learned firsthand how vital local news is, especially in a crisis. During the pandemic, our role as the city’s main local news outlet was crucial in keeping people informed. Residents turned to us for accurate, timely information, knowing they could trust us in an uncertain time. They needed updates on COVID-19 cases, details on available support, and news on local lockdown measures.
In a city of just under 300,000 people, our website hit four million views a month. This wasn’t just about numbers – it was about serving our community when they needed us most.
Even though the pandemic is over, the need for local journalism hasn’t gone away; it’s just evolved. Today, fewer local news outlets mean more people are turning to social media for their updates. While this may seem convenient, it’s also risky. Anyone can post a ‘story’ online, and misinformation spreads faster than ever. Just look at how far-right narratives have found a home on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), or how harmful content like that from Andrew Tate is pushed by algorithms. This is why we need trusted, trained journalists to combat misinformation and restore public trust.
Local journalism is also vital to democracy. With local news outlets shrinking, we’re seeing more political decisions made with less scrutiny, leaving the public with little input. In this environment, policies can be formed with less external challenge, eroding trust even further. Local journalists play a crucial role in holding councils to account, asking tough questions, and critically examining press releases.
In the recent past, areas had local democracy reporters funded via the BBC licence fee to cover this key work. Today, those resources are stretched thin, often covering larger regions. News that holds power to account doesn’t always sell, and as a result, it’s being sidelined.
You might be wondering why I left journalism. I had a great start, but over time, I became disillusioned. The rise of clickbait, misinformation, and a focus on sensationalism made me question the future of the industry. That’s when I pivoted to politics, first as an advisor in my city’s political administration and now working in public affairs. But I’ll always call myself a journalist and continue to advocate for local news.
The truth is, we can all help support local journalism in small ways. A simple click, like, or even buying a physical paper can make a big difference. If we don’t take action, we risk losing it – and with it, a crucial part of our democracy.
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