The Rise of a New Media Baron and the Emerging Threat of News Deserts |

Who Owns Your Hometown Newspaper

New Report

Thwarting the emergence of news deserts: Thwarting the emergence of news deserts: An update to our Fall 2016 report on the emergence of #USNewsDeserts. This report features new data from the largest comprehensive newspaper database in the country, new analysis of local coverage of elections and more!

The Rise of a New Media Baron and the Emerging Threat of News Deserts - Investment Companies & Newspaper Ownership

Over the past decade, a new media baron has emerged. Private equity funds, hedge funds and investment groups have swooped into to buy and manage newspapers. With the industry in distress and publishers struggling to adapt to the digital age, many communities are in danger of losing their primary source of local news and information. This report explores the long-ranging social, economic and political impact of this shift in ownership.

Executive Summary

Recent Sales & Closures

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Executive Summary

Recent Sales & Closures

Technology and a Dramatically Changed Media Landscape

A Dramatically Changed Landscape

How the newspaper industry has changed over the past decade.
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The Rise of a New Media Baron

How and when large investment firms came to own many of the nation’s newspapers.
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The Growing Threat of News Deserts

Why there is a risk and where it is most prevalent.
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Saving Community Journalism in a Digital Age

Finding Solutions

Who and what can save community journalism in the digital age.
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“[Local news] drives conversation, serves as public record and covers the news happening in your own backyard. And while national news outlets can handle the big stuff, it’s never quite the same (or as good) as hometown coverage.”

- Reader, Why does local matter? Let’s ask our audience, Poynter, 2015

Spotlight on Research

Just Posted: Spotlight on Research Zvi Reich and Yigal Godler explore how much on-the-ground reporting still occurs.
Spotlight on Research Matthew Weber explores 21st century hiring practices for news organizations.
Spotlight on Research Dr. Annika Sehl explores how public broadcasters can be more digitally savvy.
Spotlight on Research Seth Lewis explores who and what shape news stories.
Spotlight on Research Lee Shaker explores who reads local news.
Spotlight on Research Taylor Owen discusses his research on how Facebook is reshaping journalism.
Spotlight on Research David Cuillier discusses his research on the Freedom of Information.
Spotlight on Research Kenneth Dautrich discusses his research on the future of the First Amendment.

Videos & Podcasts

Publisher David Woronoff discusses how the twice weekly Pilot in eastern NC launched a successful digital ad agency and what it has meant for his paper.

Former Fayetteville Observer owner and publisher Charles Broadwell discusses launching a digital ad agency.
Former Fayetteville Observer owner Charles Broadwell talks about the importance defining and serving a community.
Publisher David Woronoff discusses how the twice weekly Pilot in eastern NC is trying to reach and engage millennials and military spouses through a new e-newsletter, The Sway.
Podcast with Penny Muse Abernathy – discussing the rise of news deserts and what that means for communities.

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