LWV study: As media shrinks, so does oversight

The effect of the decline of local journalism on civic participation and democracy is the focus of a multiyear study by the League of Women Voters of Washington, and may lead to a policy position and active advocacy for community media.

The organization is sharing its study, The Decline of Local News and its Impact on Democracy, and taking public comment at events sponsored by local chapters around the state.

“We looked at how newspapers had shrunk and even closed,” said Dee-Ann Finken, co-chair of LWV Clark County. “We considered also the decline in candidates for local office, less voting in local elections, civic engagement and higher government costs.”

In fact, the statewide study echoes national findings that the closure of more than two dozen Washington newspapers and the loss of more than two-thirds of the state’s newspaper editors and reporters has resulted in cutbacks in both coverage and readership that diminishes oversight of government action.

The nonpartisan and nonprofit League, now in its 103rd year, has long been involved in civic education and promoting voter registration. While it does not endorse candidates, sometimes the organization will take a stand and advocate to local and state government officials.

The process starts with a study, which then goes out to chapters for evaluation and consensus, Finken explains. The approximately 2,500 League members in Washington’s 18 local Leagues are now reviewing the Decline of News study and weighing in; in April, the state board will decide whether to advocate on the issue of declining news media as a threat to democracy.

In past years, the League has advocated for such issues as transportation, health care, the environment, and such family issues as child support and custody – “things that are good for the community,” Finken says.

“It’s part of our mission: Empowering voters and defending democracy ,” she adds.

The issue was first raised by Lunell Haught, president of the Washington LWV (and a WashCOG board member). Many of the committee members who spearheaded the study are journalists or former journalists, so the final document contains compiled data, numerous interviews and links to related reports. Finken is a retired professor of journalism at Clark College.