More than 100 New York State newspapers form coalition to advocate for local journalism amid turbulent times and increasing closures
Nearly half of New York State’s weekly newspapers have closed; more than 3,000 newspapers have closed nationwide since 2005
NEW YORK STATE — A statewide group of local news organizations, comprising over 100 local newspapers in New York, has launched The Empire State Local News Coalition, a joint advocacy effort to advance a legislative package that would deliver long-term sustainability to the sector.
The coalition is launching at a watershed moment for the journalism industry — and our democracy. Since 2005, more than 3,000 newspapers have shuttered across the country, resulting in thousands of layoffs and countless communities losing essential platforms for sharing their stories. New York State has experienced a 40% decrease in newspapers between 2004 and 2019. Since then, the number of journalists has halved, and there has been a 60% decrease in overall circulation. There is a growing number of communities with little to no access to local newspaper coverage: 13 New York counties are down to just one newspaper, and Orleans County is the first with no local newspaper at all.
The decline of local journalism is a threat to the health of our democracy. Research shows there is a direct correlation between the breadth of local media coverage and levels of civic engagement — an especially significant factor in an election year. If newspapers continue to shutter, communities across the state risk being effectively disenfranchised, losing the ability to shape policy conversations and hold local officials accountable.