This show is focused on a media trend that has been apparent to see, both nationally and locally.
The newspaper industry has been falling backwards in terms of circulation, the number of employees and reach. Many people are lamenting this trend, as many grew up with a daily or weekly paper.
To dig into that topic, we hear from a well positioned journalism person, with Becky Vonnahme, of the Western Iowa Journalism Foundation.
Here is the mission statement of the organization, "The Western Iowa Journalism Foundation (WIJF) was established in August 2020 and classified as a 501(c)(3) public charity in February 2021. Our mission is to support community journalism that ensures long-term access to accurate local news and investigative reporting throughout western Iowa."
"We believe that a robust and independent press is essential for a thriving democracy and are dedicated to supporting community-based news sources that provide professional journalism that informs, engages, and reflects the communities they serve."
The foundation has amassed more than $2 million and dispersed more than $1 million to pay for reporter positions in a dozen news organizations.
Vonnahme and the WIJF board of directors contend that news organizations play a vital role in towns, explaining government actions, the key trends of life by people in that area, and connecting people, so they essentially function as public-service institutions.
"They help build a sense of shared identity and trust. In short, when rural newsrooms are strong, communities are informed, engaged, and connected," Vonnahme said.
*Click on the audio link above to hear the entire show.
What's The Frequency, Episode 102.
