The spate of layoffs and disruptions at newspapers in Washington and Oregon, from Everett to Medford and Bend to Astoria, should be a wake-up call.
Residents in affected communities, legislators who represent them, civic leaders and philanthropists should consider finding ways to save local journalism, if they haven’t already.
The residents will see how severe the local news crisis in the United States is, and how difficult it is for voters in the country.
The news desert affecting more than half of US counties is spreading to relatively affluent suburban areas.
This created the remaining papers, undermined civic literacy and caused division as people increasingly received news from social networks and national media that focused more on partisan controversies.
I would encourage local leaders and philanthropists to look at the bleak situation and consider ways to acquire or support local shops or start new ones. A strong local news source is key not only to democracy but also to civic health and vitality.
The new model has been proven in the region and in other countries, showing that some of these papers can succeed with a fresh start and an infusion of local support. A list of promising models includes the Local News Initiative’s latest report on news deserts.
Options include turning the paper into a nonprofit or hybrid organization, combining a for-profit news outlet with nonprofit support.
The Philadelphia Inquirer was saved from bankruptcy and donated to a non-profit foundation by a local telecommunications figure. It operates as a for-profit subsidiary of the foundation.
The Seattle Times is a for-profit business but continues to grow its local coverage with the support of philanthropists and community members.
Another example I mentioned last year was Gig Harbor Now, an online outlet started by community members after layoffs and consolidation by a newspaper chain left the area with little local coverage.
Gig Harbor Now benefits from talented reporters who worked at the daily before the cuts. Nearly 100 more journalists are now looking for work after layoffs were announced this month.
Lawmakers representing Washington and Oregon should be warned about the latest cuts to the government intervention needed, to save the remaining local stores and provide incentives for new owners.
The US has subsidized the press in various ways since its inception without compromising press freedom. There is a strong case that the government is required by the First Amendment to ensure the survival of the press.
Refundable tax credits to save newsrooms and antitrust reforms to help outlets negotiate better deals with tech gatekeepers have bipartisan support in Congress, including support from Washington’s delegation.
These measures, including tax credits first proposed in the Local Journalism Sustainability Act, will prevent many newsroom losses this summer. But they appear to be on hold until 2025.
“We’re not going to have a conversation about EO Media having layoffs and making cuts and going for sale if LJSA passes,” said Heidi Wright, chief operating officer of the Salem-based newspaper group.
Earlier this month, EO announced plans to close five Oregon papers, lay off 28 of its 185 employees and put them up for sale.
Simultaneously, Portland-based newspaper publisher Pamplin Media was sold to Southern newspaper chain Carpenter Media Group.
Then Carpenter decided to lay off 62 employees at Sound Publishing, a group that recently acquired 43 papers in Washington and Alaska.
Affected employees include more than half of the union newsroom at The Daily Herald in Everett, as I reported on June 18.
The Herald bobbled the announcement, initially posting a story about the layoffs on June 19 in which Publisher Rudi Alcott was quoted as saying that “readers won’t notice.”
The story appeared in print but was removed from the website and replaced with a better version, with comments from Carpenter, on June 20.
Alcott “said he has been fielding comments about this decision all day,” Caleb Hutton, local news editor, posted on X. “Just saying we respect him today. A lot of hard lessons, I think.
The Herald layoffs are scheduled to take effect in July. Workers’ talks on the layoffs are scheduled for Friday evening, following a one-day strike on Monday.
Todd Carpenter, chairman of Carpenter Media, has not yet responded to my request for an interview. I want to know why the company is spending more resources on acquisitions than strengthening its already small local newsroom.
He told The Herald that the company has “deep sympathy for those affected by these changes” and is “committed to Everett, The Herald and all who have a stake in its success.”
“Our responsibility to the community and our readers requires us to make tough business decisions, then invest and manage our teams to move forward to produce a product that continues to improve and serve,” the statement said. “Our track record in this process is good. We strive to work with the best and brightest and pay them well. We need to have a strong business with very productive people to meet the standards, and with the help of the team and the community, we hope to see you here in the coming days.
The company on May 1 offered a starting wage of $19.50 an hour, according to the Everett NewsGuild. That’s above the state’s $16.28 minimum wage but below Seattle’s $19.97 minimum wage for large companies.
For comparison, Everett McDonald offers a starting wage of $19.50 for 16-year-olds.
That, too, should wake-up calls. It shows how solutions, leadership and support are needed, to ensure communities have a strong source of local news.
