NEWS DESERTS
My Solution
Ways to Help
As a high school student, I wanted to find a way I could help the situation.
Here is a list of potential solutions that real people could implement.
How I've helped.
News Deserts result in a lack of localized reporting. To help combat this, I've made a special effect to report on local issues in my communities. Recently, I just wrote an article on the mayoral election in my town—interviewing the top two candidates and local caucus.
Work with your local journalists
If local journalists feel too distanced, work with student journalists from your local high-school by editing their articles, helping them organize interviews, or simply reading their work. Encouraging young adults to pursue journalism is an important long-term solution for this issue.
Support your local newspapers
Look for innovative, modern newspapers that seek to represent communities that are frequently portrayed poorly.
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In the Chicago neighborhood, a great example of this is Block Club Chicago—a nonprofit news organization covering Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. This organization introduces ground-level reporting to these communities.
Are you in a news desert?
check here to see if you live in a news desert
If you are in high school or college, consider reporting on local affairs in your school's paper. If you are in high school and don't have a school paper, connect with your local community college.
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If you are not in school and have the time, consider attending local council meetings and ask questions! If you are able to, publish online or connect with a larger news organization and publish your piece there! Large news organization want coverage!
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Regardless, publishing online will is a free and accessible way to inform your community. Try connecting with your local library for free wifi and other resources.