The Decline of Local News and Its Impact on Democracy

Date Study Completed
11/2022

Name of Submitting League
League of Women Voters or Washington (LWVWA)

Title of Study
“The Decline of Local News and Its Impact on Democracy”

Summary of Study
Washington is experiencing a crisis in local news coverage, the result of three dailies and at least 20 weeklies closing since 2005. Newsroom staffing is down 67 percent. The study finds the closures are linked to reduced voter participation, fewer candidates seeking office, higher government costs, challenges for public health, greater political polarization and reduced community involvement.

League or Contact Email Address
info@lwvwa.org  -- League of Women Voters of Washington

Apeloff@lwvwa.org - Amy Peloff, Administrative Director

dfinken@comcast.net- Dee Anne Finken, Boardmember and Study Chair

League or Contact Phone Number
206-622-8961

Linked documents: URL(s) of study, position or related documents
https://www.lwvwa.org/resources/Documents/Studies/LocalNews/Decline%2036.pdf https://www.lwvwa.org/resources/Documents/2022%20Issue%20Papers/LocalNews.pdf