Chuck Plunkett: When local news dies, so does democracy

The transcript discusses the decline of local newspapers, focusing on the Denver Post's experience under hedge fund ownership. It highlights the shift from print to digital, staff reductions, and the rise of news deserts. The speaker emphasizes the critical role of local news in democracy, warning that its decline leads to uninformed voters and pay-to-play politics. The call to action is for public funding to support local journalism, framing it as essential for a functioning democracy.

What was the impact of Alden Global Capital's acquisition of the Denver Post?

• Increased newsroom staff

• Launch of a new digital platform

• Significant newsroom cuts

• Expansion of print operations

What was the Denver Post's status when the speaker joined in 2003?

• A digital-only publication

• A newly established newspaper

• A small local paper

• One of the country's 10 largest newspapers

What was the primary challenge faced by newspapers during the transition from print to digital?

• Increased print subscriptions

• Decline in advertising revenue

• Shortage of journalists

• Lack of digital content

What was the expected outcome of the digital-first strategy?

• Compensation for lost print revenue

• Increased print sales

• Reduction in digital content

• Closure of digital platforms

What term is used to describe areas with little to no news coverage?

• News deserts

• Press blackouts

• Media voids

• Information gaps

What is a consequence of the decline in local news coverage?

• Rise of 'news deserts'

• Growth of local journalism

• More informed public

• Increased voter turnout

How does local news contribute to democracy?

• By increasing newspaper profits

• By providing advertising opportunities

• By promoting entertainment

• By informing voters and holding power accountable

What role do local journalists play in elections?

• They create campaign ads

• They organize election events

• They vet and scrutinize candidates

• They fund political campaigns

What is the proposed solution to support local newsrooms?

• Implement public funding

• Focus on digital advertising

• Increase print subscriptions

• Rely on national newspapers

Why is public funding for local news considered necessary?

• To increase newspaper profits

• To ensure the survival of democracy

• To reduce digital content

• To eliminate competition