Local journalism can combat polarisation, but it needs your support
After the shocking, but perhaps unsurprising election result in the US, it got us thinking about the role of local news in our communities.
Last year, I spent 6 weeks in the US and Canada, visiting innovative local media projects. I was inspired by so many of those organisations who were placing community at the heart of their reporting.
In the US, there seemed to be a real urgency from funders to support these projects, recognising their vital role in democracy and community. For many, the national media was only contributing to division in society, whereas local media was seen as an antidote to it:
‘In addition to the watchdog function, local news – of a different sort – has a community cohesion role. Obituaries, high school sports, school board meetings, the new economic development plan, the amateur theatre production, a couple’s 50th wedding anniversary – these types of stories teach neighbours about each other, provide basic information on community problems and create a sense of shared interest.
In fact, the decline of local reporting has helped fuel polarisation, misinformation and the growing tendency for Americans to demonise each other. If we have any hope of addressing those democracy-crushing problems, we have to dramatically strengthen local news.’
Steve Waldman of Rebuild Local News writing in ‘How high school sports coverage can save democracy
As we witness polarisation soar after the US presidential election result, I feel lucky that here in Scotland, we have an incredible network of independent, community-based publications that are working hard to bring cohesion to the areas they serve.
But it’s an uphill struggle against challenging conditions and limited resources. If you value the work they do, please consider subscribing to your local publication.
And you can now become a paying subscriber to the Scottish Beacon to help fund our collaborative network too.
– Rhiannon
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Upcoming networking and social events for journalists (and journalism students) happening across Scotland this November and December
Women in Journalism Scotland Winter Social ❄️
Held on December 4, in Glasgow, this annual social event is a chance for networking, meeting fellow women journalists, and connecting with members of the Women in Journalism Scotland committee. Attendees can enjoy drinks and conversation at Table Twenty Eight in Merchant Square.
Find more details and register HERE.
BA Journalism 20th Anniversary UWS 🎓
On 15 November, in Paisley, this special anniversary event at UWS invites current and former BA Journalism students/alumni of UWS to celebrate the journalism course’s 20th birthday. So if UWS is your former Alma Mater or current course of study, why not get yourself a ticket and rub shoulders with fellow journalists and journalism students at Weavers in Paisley from 7pm to celebrate.
Tickets can be booked HERE.