Lori Ehrlich
July 18, 2019
Viewpoint
Breaking news and how to fix it
By LORI EHRLICH AND BRENDAN CRIGHTON
Newspapers are more than just a record of facts and stories about our communities, they are the foundation of a healthy democracy. With local journalism in the midst of a slow-burning crisis, it is time for Massachusetts to help turn the tide.
In the past 15 years, nearly one in five newspapers has disappeared and countless others have become shells of themselves, preyed upon by hedge funds and out-of-state corporate chains. Expansive research from the University of North Carolina found a net loss of almost 1,800 local newspapers nationally since 2004. This past June, Gatehouse Media announced layoffs and the consolidation of 50 weeklies down to 18. In May, Gatehouse cut staff at the Worcester Telegram & Gazette and Worcester Magazine – leaving the magazine with just one reporter to cover the state’s second biggest city.
Nobody has the ability to attend every community meeting and have their ear to the ground on every issue – that’s where journalists come in. Deeply diminished newsrooms are reduced to news aggregators with little ability to do original reporting citizens rely on. Yet, a few newspapers are demonstrating newsgathering is still possible and profitable.
Brendan Crighton
Berkshire Eagle Co-Owner Fred Rutberg and a team of local stakeholders purchased the then-declining regional paper from Digital First Media, a division of New York hedge fund Alden Global Capital. Alden’s record of buying papers, such as the Boston Herald, to slash costs and quality in order to raise profits weakened news coverage of the Berkshires. With a faithful eye on quality news gathering, Rutberg has seen a 60% increase in digital subscriptions.
Across the country, philanthropists and publishers are experimenting with new approaches to running a newspaper. Some have provided subscribers with free iPads to convert them to digital subscribers, while organizations like Report for America have placed graduates into two-year reporting fellowships, modeled after Teach for America. We all have a stake in the survival of a free press, which is why we have filed a bill to start a productive conversation.
The bill (H.181/S.80.) would create a diverse, 17-member commission to find a path forward for local journalism. The commission would review press coverage of Mass. communities, the ratio of residents to media outlets, print and digital business models, and more. We believe government can facilitate this critical discussion and let journalists lead the way without infringing on the freedom of the press.
Local news outlets serve as anchors of our communities, connecting readers to their neighbors and making government accountable. Without them, at a time when facts are under attack, our communities become prone to hyperbole and divisiveness. We invite anyone who is interested in preserving local news to join the conversation on this critical issue for the future of Massachusetts.
Lori Ehrlich is a state representative, and Brendan Crighton is a state senator, both representing Lynn.
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