Final
The fall-off of local newspapers in the United States is driving an increasing crisis of civic participation and access to reliable information. With the disappearance of local journalism, many communities, particularly rural areas and low-income urban centers, are turning into "information deserts," as termed by researchers. These areas lack access to reliable information about news and events related to their local community, including school boards, city councils, and other important local notifications. Without information, citizens will have decreased knowledge, and therefore a decreased likelihood of engaging in democratic functions or community conversation. Local newspapers have always been integral to supporting democracy by informing its residents about issues relevant to their lives. Local news provides a thorough examination of local happenings, public policy across diverse issues, and various aspects of a community's evolution that could be ignored by nati...