When it comes to local news coverage, a report by Northwestern University in Chicago says there are big concerns about people not having access to information about their communities.
For its 2023 State of Local News summary, Northwestern University reviewed local newspapers, digital-only news outlets, ethnic media and public broadcasting radio and television stations. Data about commercial radio stations, such as the stations of the DRG Media Group, was not included in their research.
The study’s authors say local outlets in South Dakota and around the country continue to close at alarming rates. Residents in more than half of U-S counties have no, or very limited, reliable local news sources, including print, digital or broadcast.
Northwestern’s Penelope Muse Abernathy says it appears the U-S is becoming a nation of “haves” and “have nots” when it comes to local news.
“Most of the people who have a wealth of access to local journalism tend to live in our larger metro areas; and the journalism ‘have nots,’ and they tend to be more in the rural areas.”
The latest report also ties in so-called “news deserts” with poverty rates. In those areas, 17% of residents live in poverty, a rate higher than the national average. Abernathy says this lack of information can block underserved populations from learning about beneficial programs and services.
“This is a real issue about how you get information to people who desperately need the information that newspapers have historically provided, that help them craft decisions to work toward a better quality of life.”
The report says South Dakota has six counties without a news source, and 37 counties with only one. Regionally, nonprofit efforts like the South Dakota News Watch have launched in recent years to ensure coverage of government-related functions.
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