I’ve Been a News Junkie Since I Was 12
Look, I’m gonna be honest with you. I’ve been in this game for over two decades. Started at the Daily Chronicle in 1998, back when people still cared about local news. Back when newspapers were more than just fish wrappers. (Yeah, I said it.)
I remember sitting in the newsroom with Martha—let’s call her Martha—on a Tuesday night in ’99. The place was buzzing, phones ringing off the hook, reporters shouting across the room. It was chaos, but it was alive. Honestly, I miss those days.
But Now? It’s a Ghost Town
Fast forward to today. Local news is basically a ghost town. I mean, have you seen the newsstands lately? It’s kinda depressing. I walked by the one on 5th last Tuesday, and there were maybe three papers left. Three. And one of them was a freebie.
I asked Dave—he’s a colleague, been in the business about as long as I have—what he thinks. He said, “It’s the internet, man. It’s killing us.” And I get it. I really do. But it’s more than just the internet. It’s the algorithm, the lack of commitment to local news, the fact that people would rather read clickbait than actual journalism.
Let’s Talk About the Algorithm
So, I’m not gonna lie, I’m kinda old school. I still believe in the power of a good story, told well. But the algorithm? It’s a beast. It’s all about clicks, about views, about engagement. And frankly, it’s completley ruining journalism.
I was at a conference in Austin last year, and this guy—let’s call him Marcus—was talking about how the algorithm determines what news gets seen. He said, “It’s not about quality anymore. It’s about quantity.” Which… yeah. Fair enough. But it’s not just about quantity. It’s about sensationalism. It’s about outrage. And it’s killing local news.
But Here’s the Thing…
I think—no, I know—that local news matters. It matters alot. It’s the heartbeat of a community. It’s what keeps us informed, what keeps us connected. And if we lose it, we lose a part of ourselves.
I remember covering a city council meeting back in 2005. It was boring as hell, but it was important. And the people who showed up, they cared. They cared about their community, about their city. And that’s what local news is all about. It’s about giving a voice to the people who might not otherwise have one.
So What Can We Do?
First off, we gotta support local news. Subscribe to your local paper. Follow your local news outlets on social media. Share their stories. Engage with them. And for the love of God, stop sharing clickbait.
And if you’re a journalist—especially a young one—fight for local news. Fight for the stories that matter. Fight for the truth. Because, honestly, it’s worth it. It’s worth the long hours, the low pay, the constant struggle. Because someone’s gotta do it.
And if you’re looking for some inspiration, check out popular articles recommended reading. They’ve got some great stuff on local journalism. It’s not perfect, but it’s a start.
A Tangent: Why I Hate the Term ‘Fake News’
Look, I gotta vent here for a second. The term ‘fake news’? It’s bullshit. It’s a political tool, a way to discredit journalism. And it’s working. People are starting to believe it. And that’s dangerous. Because if we can’t trust our journalists, who can we trust?
I was talking to my friend Lisa about this the other day. She’s not a journalist, but she’s smart. She said, “It’s like they’re trying to make us doubt everything.” And she’s right. They are. And it’s working.
Back to the Point
So, yeah. Local news is dying. And it’s a big deal. But it’s not too late. We can save it. We can bring it back. But it’s gonna take all of us. Journalists, readers, communities. It’s gonna take a village.
And honestly, I’m not sure we’re up for the challenge. But I hope we are. Because the alternative? It’s not pretty.
About the Author
I’m Sarah, a senior magazine editor with over 20 years of experience. I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly of journalism. And I’m not afraid to call it like I see it. Follow me on Twitter @SarahTheScribe for more rants and musings.
To gain a deeper understanding of the evolving fashion landscape in America, consider this insightful piece on the ongoing identity challenges within the industry: the American fashion identity crisis.
Journalists and busy professionals alike will find valuable perspectives in rethinking weeknight meal routines, offering practical solutions to streamline daily cooking challenges.
For a candid look at the challenges and realities faced by journalists today, consider this insightful piece on the amateur nature of the news industry.
