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In Print and In Decline: A Crisis for Democracy?

Tuesday, July 31, 2018 marks the 200 th anniversary of the publication of Cleveland’s first newspaper, The Cleaveland Gazette & Commercial Register.  It shuttered just two years later, but it, along with Cleveland's rising population during the 19th century, paved the way for many successful newspapers including the Cleveland Press and The Plain Dealer.  For centuries, newspapers told stories, held elected officials accountable, uncovered corruption, and connected residents to their community and the broader world.

 

In today's digital age, the future of newspapers and any print media is uncertain as individuals increasingly receive their news online. In 2016, the Newspaper Association of America - the trade group representing newspaper publishers since 1887 - dropped the word "newspaper" from its name, deciding to rename themselves the News Media Alliance.

 

But newspapers aren't the only media influx; journalism itself appears to be undergoing seismic changes. Almost daily, Americans read about attacks on the press by President Donald J. Trump, the shuttering of more newspapers and magazines, and the laying-off of seasoned journalists. What do these changes mean for the future of the free press? And what do we lose - as a country and a democracy - if the number of journalists continue to dwindle?

David Folkenflik

 

M edia Correspondent, Business Desk, NPR News – and new host of WBUR’s “On Point”

Robyn Minter Smyers

President, Board of Directors, The City Club of Cleveland

Natalia Garcia is a digital producer for the education team at Ideastream Public Media.