The Erosion of Local News: Weakening Community Bonds and Civic Understanding in Small-Town Canada
A recent report by the Public Policy Forum think-tank, "The Lost Estate: How to put the local back in local news," paints a concerning picture of the state of local journalism in small towns across Canada. Years of dwindling advertising revenue, the rise of corporate ownership models, and the dominance of digital platforms have led to a significant decline in local news outlets, leaving a void in community information and contributing to increased alienation and distrust. The study, conducted in partnership with the Rideau Hall Foundation and the Michener Awards Foundation, involved an Ipsos poll of over 1,000 Canadians residing in communities with populations under 100,000, revealing a strong correlation between the decline of local news and a decline in civic engagement and community connection.
The report’s findings highlight the crucial role local news plays in a functioning democracy. A staggering 87% of respondents affirmed the importance of local news for a healthy democracy, underscoring the public’s recognition of its value. The study further revealed that 61% of respondents believe the decline in local news directly contributes to a diminished understanding of local governance, including the functioning of municipal governments, schools, and hospitals. Moreover, 58% agreed that this decline weakens community ties, creating a sense of disconnect and disengagement. These findings underscore the vital role local news plays in informing citizens and fostering a sense of shared identity and purpose within communities.
The decimation of local news outlets is not merely anecdotal. Research from Toronto Metropolitan University confirms the alarming trend, documenting the loss of 252 local news outlets since 2008, with 24 closures in the last two years alone. This steady erosion of local journalism leaves communities vulnerable to misinformation and weakens their ability to hold local institutions accountable. The consequences extend beyond mere information gaps; the absence of local news weakens the fabric of community life by diminishing opportunities for shared dialogue and collective action.
Despite the bleak landscape, the report also highlights glimmers of hope, pointing to the emergence of a "flourishing new ecosystem" of digital startups like Village Media, which has expanded to over two dozen digital properties across Ontario. These innovative models offer potential pathways for revitalizing local news, but they require sustained support and investment to thrive. The report’s authors—Andrew Phillips, a renowned columnist and former editor-in-chief; Edward Greenspon, a PPF fellow and former editor-in-chief; and Alison Uncles, a PPF vice-president and former editor-in-chief—emphasize the need for diverse funding sources to ensure the long-term viability of these ventures.
The report proposes a multi-pronged approach to address the crisis, advocating for a combination of public and private initiatives. Among the key recommendations are tax incentives to encourage local businesses to advertise in local media, philanthropic support from local foundations and individual donors, and the establishment of a non-profit organization to fund reporters in local newsrooms for three-year terms. Furthermore, the report suggests leveraging existing federal programs like the Local Journalism Initiative, proposing it be further bolstered by philanthropic donations and governed by an independent board. These recommendations underscore the need for a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders to revitalize local journalism.
The report also calls for a portion of government advertising budgets to be allocated to local media and encourages community and private foundations to invest in local news organizations. These investments, the report argues, align with the foundations’ missions of promoting community well-being and strengthening local democracy. By supporting local news, these organizations can play a crucial role in ensuring communities have access to reliable information and a platform for local voices. The report emphasizes that the vacuum left by the decline of local news is often filled by national news, which tends to be more divisive, or by social media, where misinformation proliferates. This shift contributes to a growing cynicism towards news in general.
The report concludes with a call to action, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the local news crisis. Restoring and strengthening local journalism is vital for the health of communities and the functioning of democracy. While the challenges are significant, the authors express optimism that with adequate support and innovative approaches, local news can be revitalized, ensuring communities have access to the information they need to thrive. The future of local news depends on a collective effort involving governments, businesses, philanthropists, and, crucially, the readers themselves.
