When local newspapers suffer, so do local elections

Residents of American cities and towns have long looked to local newspapers for reliable information on the activities and electoral politics of their local governments. In the past decade though, newsrooms have slashed their staffing levels, and many newspapers folded altogether. As city newspapers shrank, it appears there were serious consequences for local democracy. Our research suggests that staffing cuts at newspapers depressed competition in mayoral races and may have led to a dip in voter turnout in these races, as well. CONT.

Meghan Rubado (Cleveland State U.) & Jay Jennings (UT Austin), LSE USAPP