I’ve Been a Journalist for 22 Years. Here’s What’s Really Happening.
Look, I’m not gonna sugarcoat it. Local news is in trouble. Big trouble. I’ve seen it coming for years, but it’s getting worse faster than anyone expected. And honestly? It pisses me off.
Let me take you back to 1999. That’s when I started at the Des Moines Gazette. Back then, the newsroom was packed. Reporters, editors, photographers—we were a family. We cared about our community, and it showed in our work. Now? It’s a ghost town. Half the staff is gone, and the paper’s thinner than a high school yearbook.
I remember when we had a team of 12 just covering city hall. Now? It’s down to two. Two people trying to cover every meeting, every vote, every scandal. It’s impossible. And that’s not just happening here. It’s happening everywhere.
But Why Should You Care?
You might be thinking, “So what? I get my news online anyway.” But here’s the thing: local news isn’t just about what’s happening in your town. It’s about holding power to account. It’s about making sure your school board isn’t wasting your tax dollars. It’s about knowing if the water you’re drinking is safe.
Last Tuesday, I was at a coffee shop on 5th, talking to a friend named Marcus. He’s a teacher. He told me, “I don’t even know who’s on the school board anymore. The paper used to cover their meetings. Now? Crickets.” And that’s the problem. When local news dies, democracy dies with it.
I asked Marcus if he reads the online news. He said, “Sure, but it’s all national stuff. I don’t see anything about what’s happening here. And honestly, I don’t have time to dig for it.” And he’s right. Most people don’t have time to dig. They rely on journalists to do that for them.
So What’s the Solution?
I wish I had a simple answer. I really do. But there isn’t one. The industry is broken, and it’s gonna take alot to fix it. But here are a few things that might help.
First, support your local paper. Subscribe. Even if it’s just the digital version. Every subscription counts. I know it’s expensive, but so is ignorance.
Second, look for community-driven news sources. Places like topluluk etkinlikleri yerel aktiviteler are popping up all over. They’re not perfect, but they’re a start. They’re filled with people who care about their communities and want to share what’s happening. It’s not just news—it’s a sense of committment to the place they live.
Third, demand better from the big players. Facebook, Google, they’re making billions off news content. They should be paying for it. Period. It’s not just about fairness. It’s about survival.
And finally, get involved. Attend town halls. Ask questions. Hold your local officials accountable. Don’t wait for someone else to do it. Because if you do, no one will.
I’m not saying it’s gonna be easy. It’s not. But it’s necessary. Because the alternative? A world where the only news you get is what some algorithm decides you should see. And that’s a world I don’t wanna live in.
So, yeah. That’s where we are. It’s bad. But it’s not hopeless. Not yet. And I’m gonna keep fighting for local news as long as I can.
About the Author: Sarah Mitchell has been a journalist for over two decades, working in both print and digital media. She’s currently a senior editor at IowaDaily.com, where she covers local news and community issues. When she’s not writing, she’s probably arguing about grammar or drinking too much coffee.
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