Local journalism connects individuals to their neighbors . . . in their own community or across the state. And that might not catalyze a convoy of people to the statehouse to change laws but it might make them feel more empowered advocating for themselves at the next school board meeting, or going to see the principal in a school, or a county commissioner, or a police officer.
Tennessee Watson, Wyoming Public Media
September 18, 2020
Thanks to everyone who tuned in for this month’s edition of the People’s Review: LIVE! We had a lively discussion with five Wyoming journalists and editors about how the decline of local news and the spread of misinformation hurts civic engagement and weakens our democracy. If you missed it, be sure to check out the recording.
Trusted local news sources underpin all three pillars of ESPC’s mission to ensure fair elections, transparent government, and thriving communities—the foundations of a viable democracy. As Wyoming’s newsrooms shrink and our state faces unprecedented challenges that demand a high level of public engagement and understanding, it’s a vitally important conversation to be having.
It’s also part of a much broader dialogue happening around the country as ad revenue shrinks and our collective media landscape continues to change.
Check out the video to hear what panelists had to say about the casualties of shrinking newsrooms, how revenue models are evolving, and what kind of nuance gets lost on social media.
Then consider supporting local journalism in Wyoming:
- Support Wyoming Public Media
- Become a member of WyoFile
- Subscribe to Casper Star Tribune
- Subscribe to JH News&Guide
- Subscribe to Buffalo Bulletin
- Learn more about Report for America
And be sure to register for the next People’s Review: LIVE! on October 15 at 5 p.m., when we’ll visit with national and Wyoming-based experts about The Power of Voting!