Local news is shrinking in California and nationwide
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California has lost one-third of its newspapers since 2005 and four counties have zero news outlets, mirroring a national trend highlighted by a new report.
Why it matters: The divide between those with access to quality local news and those without is growing in America, Axios' Sara Fischer reports.
- The authors of the report argue that dynamic "poses a far-reaching crisis for our democracy as it simultaneously struggles with political polarization, a lack of civic engagement and the proliferation of misinformation and information online."
State of play: The decline of local newspapers accelerated so rapidly in 2023 that analysts now believe the U.S. will have lost one-third of the newspapers it had as of 2005 by the end of next year — rather than in 2025, as originally predicted.
Zoom in: While San Diego County is home to more news outlets than most, it has fewer than the counties covering Los Angeles and Chicago. It's on par with Seattle, Detroit, Brooklyn and Manhattan.
- Yes, but: The staffs at San Diego's local outlets are shrinking.
Between the lines: The report found that consolidation of newspaper ownership "has been a significant driver" in the loss of papers and journalists.
- Tribune and MediaNews, which includes the Union-Tribune, is the second largest chain and is owned by investment firm Alden Global Capital.
By the numbers: San Diego County's news outlets include:
- One daily newspaper: The Union-Tribune
- 22 weekly newspapers, many of which are part of the U-T
- Four digital-only news outlets, like Voice of San Diego
- 11 ethnic outlets (8 Latino, 1 Asian American, 2 African American)
- Two public broadcasting stations, including KPBS
- Plus, TV stations, San Diego Magazine and Axios
Editor's note: This story was updated to specify the description of Alden as an investment firm.