Do you live in a news desert?

By Lilian H. Hill

You may have heard of food deserts, areas where residents lack reliable access to healthy foods. However, the term news desert may need to be clarified.

A news desert is a rural or urban community that lacks access to local news coverage. News deserts are areas without a reliable local news source that offers significant and trustworthy reporting on important issues like health, government, and the environment. This absence leaves residents unaware of regional events, hindering their ability to participate fully as informed citizens. Questions about the actions of their local government, the candidates they should support, and the use of their tax dollars still need to be answered in these communities (Sullivan, 2022).

News deserts can occur for several reasons, including the closure of local newspapers, reductions in the workforce of existing media outlets, or the shift of media consumption to national or global platforms that do not cover local issues in depth (Abernathy, 2020; American Journalism Project, 2024). Abernathy (2020) wrote, "Many of the country’s 6,700 surviving papers have become ‘ghost newspapers’ – mere shells of their former selves, with greatly diminished newsrooms and readership. The loss of both journalists and circulation speaks to the declining influence of local newspapers, and raises questions about their long-term financial viability in a digital era” (p. 9). Research indicates that 70 million Americans currently reside in areas lacking sufficient local news to support grassroots democracy (Sullivan, 2022).

Importance of Local News

Local news is crucial for a healthy democracy; it helps communities understand the stakes in local elections, encourages political engagement through voting, contacting officials, and running for office, reduces political polarization, and holds public officials accountable (American Journalism Project, 2024).

Local news keeps residents informed about what is happening in their community, enabling them to make educated decisions about local issues, elections, and policies. It fosters community by highlighting local events, traditions, and stories that unite people. Local news can strengthen community bonds and provide a platform for local voices and perspectives.

Local news encourages civic engagement by informing residents about local meetings, public hearings, and other opportunities to participate in community governance. It can motivate people to participate in regional issues and volunteer for community projects. Local journalism highlights cultural and social issues within the community, promoting understanding and dialogue among diverse groups. It can shine a light on marginalized or underserved populations and their concerns.

Helping citizens understand how local government functions and how it impacts their daily lives is a function of local news. Local journalism holds local government officials, businesses, and other institutions accountable by investigating and reporting on their actions. It promotes transparency and exposes corruption, mismanagement, or other issues that might go unnoticed. A robust local news ecosystem can support local economies by promoting local businesses, events, and services. It can attract and retain residents who value being well-informed about their community.

Local news outlets often enjoy higher levels of trust than national or international media because they are closer to their audience. Trustworthy local news can counter misinformation and provide a reliable source of information for residents. A well-informed public is essential for the functioning of a healthy democracy. Local news gives citizens the information they need to participate in democratic processes. It ensures that local elections are fair and that elected officials are responsive to their constituents.

Consequences of News Deserts

Research indicates that the decline of local news hurts our democracy, contributing to polarization, decreased voter turnout, and reduced government accountability (Abernathy, 2000). The absence of local news coverage can have significant impacts on communities, such as:

 

·       Reduced Civic Engagement: Local news is crucial in informing citizens about local government, elections, and community issues. Without it, people may be less informed and engaged in civic activities.

 

·       Lack of Accountability: Local journalism often holds local government and institutions accountable. Without local media scrutiny, there may be less transparency and more opportunities for corruption or mismanagement.

 

·       Community Disconnect: Local news helps build community by highlighting local events, issues, and stories. With it, there may be a greater sense of connection among residents.

Prevalence of News Deserts

According to Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism and Media (2023), there are 204 counties in the U.S. without a local news outlet. Out of the 3,143 counties, more than half—1,766—have either no local news source or only one remaining, typically a weekly newspaper. The decline of local newspapers accelerated in 2023, averaging 2.5 closures per week, up from two per week the previous year. Over 130 newspapers closed or merged this past year. Since 2005, the U.S. has lost nearly 2,900 newspapers and will lose one-third of its total by 2024, leaving about 6,000, primarily weeklies (Northwestern Medill, 2023). Due to demographics and economics, Medill’s modeling indicates that 228 counties are at an elevated risk of becoming news deserts within the next five years.

 

Most of these "Watch List" counties are in high-poverty areas in the South and Midwest, often serving communities with significant African American, Hispanic, and Native American populations. In news deserts, the median income is lower, the number of people with college degrees is lower, and the poverty rate is higher (Abernathy, 2020). This is like the distribution of food deserts (Khatoon, 2024).

 

You can track news agencies that exist in your county through a service of the University of North Carolina’s Hussman School of Journalism and Media (2024). Their website features a searchable map allowing you to select your state and county. That search reveals the number of newspapers available in your county, alongside the county's median income. Below that, statistics for your state are provided, including population demographics, economic status, median income, and state and federal voting turnout and results.

 

Ways to Remedy News Deserts

News deserts, with limited access to local news and information, are a growing concern. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are some ways to remedy news deserts:

 

Nonprofit news organizations can help provide quality journalism without the pressure of generating profit. These organizations can receive funding from donations, grants, and partnerships.

Local community foundations and philanthropists can be encouraged to invest in local journalism, which can sustain and expand news coverage. Grant programs specifically aimed at supporting local news initiatives can be effective.

Public and Community Radio/TV can fill gaps in local news coverage. These outlets often provide in-depth local reporting and can serve as a vital source of information. Local businesses benefit by advertising with local news outlets.

University and Student Journalism can create opportunities for students to cover local news. This can provide practical experience for students while benefiting the community with additional news coverage.

Digital News Startups can offer flexible and cost-effective ways to deliver local news. These startups can leverage social media, newsletters, and other digital tools to reach audiences. Employing technology and data journalism to produce and distribute local news can make local news more efficient to deliver. Mobile apps, social media platforms, and online forums can be used to disseminate news and engage with the community.

Government and Policy Support can advocate for policies that support local journalism, such as tax incentives for local news organizations and public funding for journalism initiatives. They can also ensure that public notices and other essential information are accessible through local news outlets.

Community Engagement and Citizen Journalism promotes community engagement, and encouraging citizen journalism can help fill reporting gaps. Training programs for community members to report on local issues can empower residents and increase news coverage.

References

Abernathy, P. M. (2020). News deserts and ghost newspapers: Will local news survive? https://www.usnewsdeserts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/2020_News_Deserts_and_Ghost_Newspapers.pdf

American Journalism Project (2024). The state of local news and why it matters. https://www.theajp.org/news-insights/the-state-of-local-news-and-why-it-matters/

Khatoon, H. (2023, November 1). What are food deserts and why do they exist? https://sentientmedia.org/food-desert/#:~:text=Food%20deserts%20exist%20across%20the,high%20density%20of%20food%20deserts.

Northwestern Medill (2023). More than half of U.S. counties have no access or very limited access to local news. https://www.medill.northwestern.edu/news/2023/more-than-half-of-us-counties-have-no-access-or-very-limited-access-to-local-news.html

Sullivan, M. (2022, June 29). Every week, two more newspapers close — and ‘news deserts’ grow larger. Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/media/2022/06/29/news-deserts-newspapers-democracy?

UNC School of Journalism and Media (2024). Do you live in a news desert? https://www.usnewsdeserts.com?

Metaliteracy, Transliteracy, and New Literacies: The Same or Different?

 

By Lilian H. HIll

Over the last 18 months, we have written about many forms of literacy, including algorithmic, assessment, cultural, digital, emotional, financial, graphic, health, historical, information, literacy 4.0/5.0, news, organizational health, scientific, social media, and visual literacies. Other types of literacy still need to be tackled. Attaching the word literacy to so many ideas raises the question of whether basic literacy (the ability to read, write, comprehend, and do basic math) is being distorted.

While literacy is often defined as the ability to read and write, it can also be described as competence in a specific area. In that sense, literacy is a set of skills needed to function daily. As society becomes ever more complex, the literacy skills required to navigate life are expanding rather than being distorted. Functional literacy refers to the capacity of a person to engage in all activities which requires effective functioning. UNESCO defines functional literacy as “the capacity of a person to engage in all those activities in which literacy is required for effective function of his or her group and community and also for enabling him or her to continue to use reading, writing and calculation for his or her own and the community's development” (n.d.).

 

Categorical Terms for Literacy

The proliferation of novel descriptors of literacy has precipitated new terms used to describe categories of literacies: metaliteracy, trans literacy, and new literacies.

• Metaliteracy is an overarching framework encompassing various types of literacy, including digital, information, media, and visual literacies. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of different literacies and the importance of reflective, participatory, and ethical practices. It emphasizes the importance of understanding how to critically assess, produce, and share information in a collaborative and participatory digital environment. It goes beyond individual literacies to include metacognitive skills, encouraging learners to reflect on their learning processes and become proactive, ethical participants in collaborative online environments. 

• Transliteracy is the ability to read, write, and interact across various platforms, tools, and media. This concept goes beyond traditional literacy, typically focused on reading and writing in print formats, encompassing digital, visual, textual, and technological literacies. Transliteracy reflects the interconnected, multimodal nature of contemporary communication and information practices.
  

• New literacies refer to the skills and competencies required to navigate and engage with digital and networked environments effectively. This concept focuses on the specific abilities needed to use digital tools and platforms for communication, information retrieval, and content creation. These include digital literacy, media literacy, information literacy, visual literacy, and more. They emphasize the ability to locate, evaluate, create, and communicate information using various digital tools and platforms. Each new literacy addresses specific aspects of interacting with digital media and information technologies, such as understanding visual content (visual literacy) or critically analyzing media messages (media literacy).

 

Distinctions Among the Three Terms

A comparative table highlighting the characteristics of metaliteracy, transliteracy, and new literacies serves to delve more deeply into the distinctions among these three terms:

 

Characteristic	Metaliteracy	Transliteracy	New Literacies
Scope	Broad and inclusive, covering traditional, digital, and social media literacies.	Broad, but focused on navigating and integrating multiple forms of media and technology.	Narrow, focused on literacies specific to digital environments and new media.
Key Components	Critical thinking, metacognition, collaboration, and participatory learning.	Multimodal communication, cross-platform proficiency, interconnectedness, and adaptability.	Digital literacy, media literacy, and the ability to use and critique new technologies.
Focus	Developing self-awareness in learning processes and the ability to assess and adapt to various literacies.	Navigating and creating content across different media and platforms.	Using and understanding new digital tools and platforms, often in social contexts.
Skills Emphasized	Reflective learning, critical evaluation, ethical participation, and adaptability.	Multimodal literacy, digital and media literacy, critical thinking, and adaptability.	Navigating digital environments, creating and interpreting digital content, and critical thinking.
Examples of Practice	Collaborative research projects, critical analysis of information sources, and participatory digital citizenship.	Creating multimedia projects, engaging in social media, and integrating various forms of media in communication.	Blogging, social media participation, digital storytelling, and online collaboration.
Educational Approach	Encourages reflective practice, critical thinking, and the integration of various literacies.	Promotes the integration of different media and platforms in learning and communication.	Emphasizes the importance of digital tools and platforms in contemporary literacy practices.
Challenges Addressed	Information overload, the credibility of sources, ethical use of information, and the integration of multiple literacies.	Navigating complex, multimodal communication landscapes and adapting to new tools and media.	Keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies and ensuring equitable access to digital literacies.
Goals	To create self-aware, critically engaged, and adaptable learners.	To enable individuals to communicate effectively across multiple media and platforms.	To equip individuals with the skills needed to navigate and create in digital environments.

 

All three concepts recognize the evolving landscape of information and technology and emphasize the need for diverse, adaptable skills to navigate this environment effectively. Metaliteracy is a broader, integrative framework that combines various literacies and emphasizes critical thinking and active participation in online, collaborative communities (Badke, 2019). Transliteracy involves seamlessly and effectively understanding and using multiple forms of communication, including traditional print, digital media, and other emerging technologies. On the other hand, new literacies focus more narrowly on the specific digital skills and competencies needed to engage with digital environments effectively.

 

References

Badke, W. E. (2019). Metaliteracy, the framework, and all those other statements. Online Searcher, 43(5), 55-57.

UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Functional literacy. https://uis.unesco.org/en/glossary-term/functional-literacy