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he map of the United States tells many stories – from population shifts to economic trends. But perhaps one of the most concerning stories it tells today is about the places where local news is vanishing, leaving communities without a vital source of information about their own neighborhoods.
Source: Columbia Journalism Review, 2017 – Study of daily newspaper distribution by county. Data compiled through research from Ohio University and the Alliance for Audited Media.
The stark reality shown in this map has only intensified since its creation. According to a recent report by Poynter, more than 360 newspapers have closed since just before the start of the pandemic, accelerating a trend that has left many Americans without access to reliable local news coverage.
This updated visualization from Northwestern University’s Medill School reveals an alarming pattern: counties marked as “at risk” of becoming news deserts span across rural America, creating what researchers call “ghost newspapers” – publications that exist in name but provide minimal original reporting about their communities.
The consolidation of media ownership adds another layer to this crisis:
Six major newspaper chains now control approximately 20% of America’s daily and weekly papers. This concentration of ownership spans every state except West Virginia, raising concerns about the diversity of voices in local media coverage.
The digital revolution, while opening new possibilities for news delivery, hasn’t filled all the gaps:
Digital news outlets cluster predominantly in metropolitan areas, leaving vast stretches of rural America underserved. According to research from the Pew Research Center, while digital subscriptions are growing, they haven’t offset the loss of traditional newspaper readers.
What does this mean for communities? A study by the Columbia Journalism Review found that areas without local news coverage often experience decreased voter turnout, increased government spending, and higher borrowing costs – demonstrating that local journalism’s impact extends far beyond just keeping residents informed.
For those interested in exploring more about America’s geographical and cultural landscape through maps, here are some valuable resources available on Amazon:
