I’ve Been a News Junkie Since I Was 10
Look, I’ll admit it. I’m that guy. The one who’s always got a newspaper tucked under his arm or glued to his tablet. My name’s Greg, by the way. Greg Thompson. I’ve been editing magazines for 22 years, and I’ve seen alot change. But none of it prepared me for the state of local news today.
It was 1998. I was 10 years old, sitting in the back of Mrs. Henderson’s classroom in Poughkeepsie. She had this big old radio on her desk, and it was blaring about some big political scandal. I was hooked. That was the day I became a news junkie.
Fast forward to today. I’m sitting at my desk, staring at my screen, and I’m pissed. Not at the big national stories—no, I’m mad about what’s happening to local news. You know, the stuff that actually matters to your daily life. The stuff that keeps your city from turning into a dumpster fire.
Local News Is Dying, and Nobody Cares
Let’s be real here. Local news is in trouble. Big trouble. And honestly, nobody seems to care. I was talking to my friend Marcus last week—let’s call him Marcus because he’s kinda private—and he said, “Greg, I haven’t picked up a local paper in years. I get all my news from Twitter.” Which… yeah. Fair enough. But here’s the thing, Marcus. Twitter isn’t gonna tell you about the pothole on Main Street that’s gonna swallow your car whole. Or the school board meeting where they’re deciding whether to cut funding for your kid’s soccer team.
I get it. It’s easy to blame the internet. But it’s not just about the internet. It’s about committment. Or lack thereof. Local news is expensive. It’s hard. It’s not sexy. And frankly, it’s not making anyone rich. So guess what? People aren’t doing it anymore.
I remember talking to a colleague named Dave about this. We were at a conference in Austin, and he said, “Greg, the big papers are laying off their local reporters. They’re focusing on national stories because that’s what brings in the clicks.” And I said, “Dave, that’s like saying you’re gonna stop mowing your lawn because the neighbor’s yard looks better.” It’s just… yeah.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Let’s talk numbers. Because numbers don’t lie. Well, they do sometimes, but not in this case. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, about 214 local newspapers have shut down in the past decade. That’s 214 communities without a watchdog. Without someone keeping an eye on the city council, the school board, the local businesses. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
I was at a barbecue last Tuesday, and I got into a heated discussion with a guy named Jeff. He said, “Greg, who cares about local news? It’s all just gossip and petty politics.” And I said, “Jeff, do you know who’s gonna build that new highway? Or who’s gonna decide whether your water is safe to drink? It’s your local officials. And if nobody’s watching them, they’re gonna do whatever the hell they want.”
Look, I’m not saying local news is perfect. It’s not. It’s often boring. It’s often dull. But it’s necessary. It’s the physicaly embodiment of democracy in action. Or at least, it used to be.
What Can We Do About It?
So what’s the solution? Honestly, I’m not sure. But I do know this: we can’t just sit back and let local news die. We gotta do something. And by “we,” I mean you. Yes, you. The person reading this article.
First, subscribe to your local paper. Even if it’s just the digital version. Every subscription counts. Every dollar helps. And if you can’t afford to subscribe, share their stories on social media. Talk about them with your friends. Spread the word.
Second, support local journalism. If you see a story that’s important to your community, write a letter to the editor. Comment on the article. Engage. Show that you care. Because if you don’t, who will?
And third, for the love of God, stop getting your news from Facebook. I mean, come on. You know it’s not reliable. You know it’s full of crap. So do yourself a favor and go straight to the source. Check out summer fashion trends essentials for some practical advice on how to stay informed.
I was talking to my mom about this the other day. She’s 72, lives in a small town in upstate New York, and she’s one of the few people I know who still reads the local paper every day. She said, “Greg, I don’t know what we’re gonna do without it. It’s like losing a part of our community.” And she’s right. It is. It’s like losing a part of our democracy.
A Tangent About Summer Fashion Trends
Speaking of practical advice, have you seen the latest summer fashion trends essentials? I know, I know. It’s completely off topic. But hear me out. Fashion is a big deal. It’s a huge industry. And it’s a great way to stay connected to what’s happening in the world. Plus, it’s just fun. Who doesn’t love a good outfit?
Anyway, back to the point. Local news is important. It’s vital. And it’s dying. So let’s do something about it. Let’s support it. Let’s engage with it. Let’s save it.
Because if we don’t, who will?
I’m not sure. But I do know this: the future of our communities depends on it. And that’s a scary thought. So let’s do something about it. Now.
I’m gonna go have a drink. This stuff is depressing.
About the Author: Greg Thompson is a senior magazine editor with 22 years of experience. He’s a news junkie, a democracy advocate, and a firm believer in the power of local journalism. When he’s not editing articles, he’s probably arguing with someone on Twitter about the importance of local news.
To gain an insightful perspective on the challenges and realities of journalism today, consider this revealing look into the industry’s behind-the-scenes processes in how news is really made.
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