Book SummaryGhosting the News, by Margaret Sullivan

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Ghosting the News

The diminishing impact of regional news reporting on democratic procedures.

Sullivan paints a grim picture of the state of community reporting, which is in decline not just in the United States but globally, underscoring the significant negative effects this has on democratic processes.

Local news outlets are either shutting down or drastically reducing their staff numbers, impacting communities across the United States and internationally.

This passage highlights the concerning pattern of local news outlets disappearing or undergoing swift decline. Sullivan presents a plethora of evidence and examples that emphasize the severity of the issue.

Since 2004, more than two thousand newspapers in the United States have shut down, leaving many communities without their reliable sources of community news.

Sullivan reveals the disturbing frequency with which newspapers throughout the United States are ceasing operations. Since 2004, the cessation of over two thousand newspapers has resulted in the creation of "news deserts," areas lacking steady and dependable local news coverage. The contraction of local journalism has impacted communities not just in rural areas and small towns, but also in large cities like Denver and Youngstown, resulting in a significant void in the community's access to civic information. The author emphasizes that the shutting down of these organizations signifies more than just the failure of business ventures; it also poses a substantial risk to the capacity of residents to remain knowledgeable about their localities and to ensure local authorities are responsible for their actions.

The average newspaper has seen a 45% reduction in its workforce since 2008.

The author emphasizes the notable reduction in editorial staff numbers, which has led to a marked decline in the availability of community news reporting. From 2008 to 2017, newspapers across the nation significantly cut down their workforce by an astonishing 45%, and this trend became more severe in subsequent years. The shrinking newsrooms translate to fewer reporters on the ground, limited resources for investigative journalism, and a significant reduction in coverage of local government, schools, and community issues. Sullivan argues that the decline in the quality of local journalism has further undermined the confidence of the public.

The vanishing of local news sources greatly affects civic engagement, understanding of political issues, and the scrutiny of governmental conduct.

Margaret Sullivan establishes a clear link between the decline of local news coverage and its negative effect on community engagement. The research highlighted in the article demonstrates a definitive connection between the dwindling presence of local news and both a decrease in community involvement and an escalation in divided electoral tendencies, alongside increased costs for municipal administrations. The waning of in-depth coverage concerning local issues impedes the capacity of residents to stay informed about community events, evaluate electoral...

Ghosting the News Summary The decline of local journalism is attributed to specific economic circumstances.

The book delves into the economic factors that are leading to the decline of local journalism, highlighting the challenges that traditional media organizations face while adapting to the changing landscape of news distribution.

The traditional revenue model for newspapers has been significantly transformed by the increase in digital advertising.

The profound impact of the internet on the financial underpinnings of newspapers cannot be overstated.

The primary financial lifeline for newspapers, revenue from print advertising, has experienced a significant decline.

Sullivan highlights the devastating impact of the internet on print advertising, which traditionally served as the primary source of revenue for newspapers. The era of digital advancements has diminished the previously uncontested dominance of print newspapers, as their grip on a loyal readership has lessened. The emergence of digital giants such as Google and Facebook significantly redirected profits away from display advertising, while Craigslist's provision of free classified ads had already begun to undermine classified revenue. The writer thoroughly explains the manner in which these emerging entities...

Ghosting the News Summary The palpable consequences stemming from the erosion of community-based reporting, along with the inventive measures being implemented to combat this downturn.

The discussion explores the detrimental impacts of areas lacking news coverage and examines fresh efforts to address the challenges facing local journalism.

Without the presence of local journalism, communities are at an increased risk of unchecked wrongdoing by those in government and business sectors.

Sullivan emphasizes instances where the absence of local journalism allows malfeasance to thrive.

Vital information about local issues and the actions of those in government positions often goes unreported, allowing misconduct to continue unchecked.

The author emphasizes numerous cases where the absence of community reporting has led to unchecked abuses of power and deficiencies in government functions. The lack of local journalism in East Palo Alto, California, resulted in a substantial gap in the community's awareness of critical issues, including the school superintendent's inadequate leadership and the heated competition for city council seats. Citizens in East Lansing, Michigan initiated a journalism project that uncovered a series of local disputes, showcasing the vital function that trained reporters serve in uncovering important narratives that could remain...

Ghosting the News Summary The widespread problem affecting local news outlets.

The conversation broadens here, arguing that the challenges faced by community news outlets are not confined to the United States.

The decline in reporting on community events and stories is not limited to the United States.

The decline of local journalism, highlighted by Margaret Sullivan, has consequences that extend beyond any single area, affecting the world at large.

Local media outlets across the globe, including those in Canada, Brazil, Europe, and Australia, are facing hardships.

The writer provides a global perspective by citing instances from Italy, Brazil, Australia, Portugal, and Canada to demonstrate the challenges faced by community journalism. She emphasizes the detrimental effects that dwindling subscriptions, falling advertising revenue, and the supremacy of digital platforms have on journalism at the community level across the globe.

The convergence of technological advancements, economic challenges, and political pressures is undermining local journalism globally.

Sullivan explores the multitude of reasons behind the global decline in local news reporting, emphasizing how technological progress, economic hurdles, and political forces have...

Ghosting the News Summary New models and solutions for supporting local journalism

The final section of the book examines different tactics and approaches designed to support local news outlets that are encountering challenges.

Philanthropic initiatives have led to an increase in the number of nonprofit news organizations.

The inquiry conducted by Sullivan underscores the importance of philanthropic support in sustaining community journalism, particularly as non-profit news entities become more prevalent.

Organizations like the American Journalism Project and Report for America are directing resources toward collaborative projects and the creation of new local journalism ventures.

The author emphasizes the efforts of entities actively strengthening local journalism. Elizabeth Green and John Thornton spearhead the American Journalism Project, which utilizes a venture philanthropy approach to bolster emerging entities dedicated to civic journalism. Report for America, drawing inspiration from the Peace Corps model, is deploying a multitude of up-and-coming reporters to news organizations that are resource-strapped, which markedly improves coverage of local happenings and concerns.

Organizations operating online without profit motives, like...