The statistics are staggering. Since 2004, more than 1,800 city and small town newspapers in the U.S. have folded and the number of reporters covering local news has decreased by fifty-percent. “News deserts” -- areas where zero or little local coverage exists -- are cropping up all around the country. Simultaneously, public trust in media continues to erode--fueled by divisive political culture, the rise in opinion journalism and the pernicious effect of misinformation and fake news in the internet age. Interestingly, in markets where there is a long standing, robust local news presence, those outlets have continuously earned the highest marks of public confidence. That trust is now more vital than ever to holding our public officials accountable, exposing wrongdoing where it exists, and giving context and texture to local concerns that affect communities and individuals alike.
On April 4th, The Washington Post will bring together journalists, digital innovators and advocates for a live news program examining the state of local news and efforts to revitalize and protect it.
Free to attend. Pre-registration is required.
The program will be streamed live for those who cannot attend in person at wapo.st/localnews. To register to receive a live stream notification click here.
For a full list of Washington Post Live programs click here.
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