Media Reform / Public News Service

Nordic countries lead the world in press freedom, according to the World Press Freedom Index, which saw the U.S. fall three notches in 2023 to 45th place. (yavuzsariyildiz/AdobeStock)

NM lawmaker says journalists of all stripes need protection

A former community organizer and newly-elected lawmaker is responding to the Trump administration's escalating attacks on the press with a proposed la…

Last year, Press Forward funded 205 local publications. (DN6/Adobe Stock)

Press Forward supports small-town CO newsrooms

By Ilana Newman for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Collabora…

Threats to U.S. poll workers, ballot counters, county clerks and secretaries of state increased significantly after President Donald Trump said the 2020 election was stolen. (MariaVitkovska/Adobe Stock)

NM voters urged to make a stand for free, fair, safe elections

The post-election period leading up to today's inauguration has been decidedly calmer than the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election. But …

Extreme political polarization in the U.S. has led to a significant increase in threats of violence against election officials and members of Congress, according to the Brennan Center.

NM political expert says 'polarization' is the logical 'word of the year'

Between endless doomscrolling and nonstop negative headlines, a New Mexico political science professor said it's no surprise the Merriam-Webster …

Maryland has 12 news outlets dedicated to Black and Latino communities in the state. (Adobe Stock)

MD newsrooms experience slight dip in 2024

A new report finds Maryland has seen a small decline in the number of newspapers in the state this year. The report is from the Northwestern …

Nationwide, more than 3,000 newspapers have shuttered since 2004, according to Statista. (Adobe Stock)

Addressing Montana's expanding 'news deserts'

Online news organizations are trying to fill the lack of local coverage in Montana's news deserts. As the year ends, a dwindling number of the …

A second Trump term leaves many questions about how he will use available legal levers to subpoena reporters and their sources. (Gage Skidmore/ Wikimedia Commons)

Bill in Congress could protect journalists, sources

In the last days of President Joe Biden's term, senators are tackling some of their highest priorities, like confirming judges. But that may also …

A Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism study reported Hamilton and Boone County residents in Indiana earn an average median income of $111,000 yet have only one news source per county. (Adobe Stock)

IN sees a downturn of news options

Digital technology is replacing traditional news sources, the daily or weekly community newspaper and fewer publications mean more news deserts…

News deserts are places without local news outlets that create original content. According to a 2024 report from the Local News Initiative, 75% of them are located in predominantly rural counties. (Adobe Stock)

SD Public Broadcasting: Proposed budget cuts could mean insolvency

Gov. Kristi Noem wants a big budget cut for South Dakota Public Broadcasting in 2026. That could hurt its nine television stations and 11 radio …

Newspapers continue to disappear at a rate of more than two per week. (sebra/Adobe Stock)

Trust in local media strong, despite loss of OR newspapers

Oregon is losing local media outlets quickly, echoing a national trend. This year alone, 130 newspapers nationwide shut down, according to a new …

According to a Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism 2024 study, Edwards, Clay, White, and Jasper counties in Illinois have no news outlets. (Adobe Stock)

IL news options for rural populations remain limited

The days of thumbing through a community newspaper are retreating into history. A Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism 2024 report …

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Elon Musk, Joe Rogan spread misinformation on agriculture

By Gabriella Sotelo for Sentient.Broadcast version by Kathleen Shannon for Wyoming News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabo…

The United States has lost local newspapers this year at the rate of about two-and-a-half per week. (Adobe Stock)

More WI newspapers shutter, but people seem to trust them most

Wisconsin has lost almost one in five of its newspapers in the past year. The state of newspapers has been dismal for years, and the 2024 figures are …

Brendan Carr, President-elect Trump's nominee to be Federal Communications Commission chair, would have significant influence over issues concerning satellite networks like those owned by billionaire Elon Musk. (Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons)

Internet, press freedom groups sound alarm at Trump's choice for FCC

President-elect Donald Trump's choice of Brendan Carr to lead the Federal Communications Commission is raising red flags among groups that advocate fo…

University of Minnesota researchers say for every two news outlets around the state that have closed up shop since 2018, one new local outlet has launched during the same period. (Adobe Stock)

Checking the pulse of MN's news landscape

This past election cycle has again raised questions about the viability of news outlets, and how audiences are consuming information. New research …

Many Gen Z Americans get their news through social, media according to the Pew Research Center. <br />(Llstock/Adobe Stock)

How social media strategies are shaping Ohio's vote in 2024 elections

By Hevin Wilkey / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Kamala Harris has …

The Indiana Citizen launched its virtual ballot in 2020. The tool has become more robust during the last four years. (Adobe Stock)

Hoosier voters gain access to nonpartisan election information tool

The Indiana Citizen, a nonpartisan voter information platform, aims to improve civic engagement in Indiana by helping voters make informed choices…

Data suggest that, contrary to popular belief, rural and urban voters in America share many bedrock values. (Matt/Adobe Stock)

Ohio voters have more in common than you might think

As Ohio heads into a pivotal election season, the divide between rural and urban voters might seem deep - but one expert says the gap isn't as wide …

Some 36,000 Arkansas Medicare beneficiaries used insulin in 2020. (motortion/Adobe Stock)

AR seniors to benefit from Medicare prescription drug cap

Arkansans who are on Medicare will see big savings next year thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. The Act will cap prescription drug costs…

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine compares the situation in Springfield to a natural disaster, suggesting the federal government provide assistance to help communities handle large surges in migrant populations. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio leaders clash over migrant influx, persistent rumors

Tensions are rising in Springfield, Ohio, as controversial claims from Sen. J.D. Vance about migrants in the area have garnered national attention…

Political observers note artificial intelligence can be an inexpensive way to help candidates save time and money on advertising but many down-ballot campaigns lack the expertise to spot AI-generated falsehoods, which could tip races decided by narrow margins. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Federal lawmakers tackle AI-generated ‘deepfakes’ as election nears

Newly introduced federal legislation aims to protect voters from the growing threat of political ads generated by artificial intelligence. …

A group of pornography website operators is suing Indiana over a new law mandating stricter age verification for adult content sites. (Adobe stock)

New Indiana law: Protection for minors or privacy invasion?

A controversial new law is set to take effect next week, requiring Hoosiers to upload sensitive documents, including driver's licenses and Social …

Voting by people who are not U.S. citizens already is illegal in federal elections, and there is no indication it's happening anywhere in significant numbers. (Adobe Stock)

Groups debunk claims of 'skyrocketing' numbers of non-citizen voters

After a recent flurry of claims that Democrats are allowing immigrants into the country illegally in order to register them to vote in the upcoming U.…

More than 80% of 65-to-69-year-olds are internet users, and two-thirds say they have broadband internet connections at home, according to data from The Pew Research Center. (Adobe Stock)<br />

KY to use $12M to boost internet access in underserved communities

Kentucky is set to spend $12 million over the next three years to boost internet access in communities across the state. The funding will go toward …

As of March, Tennessee still had about 23% of its federal education funding from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief program, which could be used to help boost achievement. The deadline to allocate the funding is Sept. 30. (Adobe Stock)

Kids Count Data Book shows some improvement for TN children

Tennessee ranks in the middle among states for the well-being of its children, at 36th overall in the new Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E…

This provision was added to an omnibus bill (SB 103) late in the 2023 session, and was introduced by state Rep. Justin Hicks, R-Lake St. Louis. (Grenar/Adobe Stock)

Journalists, advocates challenge Missouri's new redaction rules

The Missouri Broadcasters Association is among the parties filing a lawsuit, claiming a state law that requires extensive redactions in court …

More than half of parents feel social media is affecting their children's development, from body image to self-perception, according to a recent CVS Health survey. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: 70% of parents report concern over child’s mental health

Across the nation, 70% of parents say they're now more concerned about their child's mental health than physical health, according to a new survey by …

Parents of young people harmed by social media platforms are urging Congress to pass the

Parents press for online child safety reforms amid Congressional reform

Massachusetts parents of children harmed by social media platforms are calling on Congress to advance the bipartisan "Kids Online Safety Act." The bi…

In the mid-1990s, news media from around the world descended upon Los Angeles for wall-to-wall coverage of the O.J. Simpson murder trial. (Adobe Stock)

Measuring long-term impact of Simpson trial on media literacy

O.J. Simpson's death has the nation looking back on the infamous murder trial that resulted in his acquittal. Experts say one of the lasting impacts …

Research showed between 10% and 30% of county residents in the state of New York had a dual-use special-need plan in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

NY senior advocates see advantages to dual-use special needs plans

Senior and older adult advocates in New York find certain healthcare plans are helping people get the best bang for their buck. Dual-eligible …

The FCC's rule would give state attorneys general across the country new tools to go after bad actors behind these nefarious robocalls. (Adobe Stock)

AZ could lead way in AI-related legislation

Arizona lawmakers are hoping to make it easier for politicians to take legal action as the use of deepfakes increases during election campaigns…

A 2023 study found that more than 80% of Americans assume that the health data collected by apps is covered by HIPAA, even though it isn't. (Adobe Stock)

Report: AZ has no data privacy law, expert says its time to take action

Arizona is among states that have considered passing consumer privacy laws but have yet to do so. While the state doesn't have anything on the books…

Section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934, enacted as part of the Communications Decency Act of 1996, provides limited federal immunity to providers and users of interactive computer services. (Aleksei/Adobe Stock)

Social media CEOs apologize to victim families for harm experienced online

A contentious congressional hearing on Wednesday saw a unanimous push for regulations on social media specifically related to children. U.S. Sen…

AI's impact on elections is expected to grow this year. (VideoFlow/Adobe Stock)

AI could undermine trust ahead of 2024 election

The rise of artificial intelligence is raising alarm bells for election officials in Oregon and across the country. Before the New Hampshire …

The two most common methods of suicide by Black youth are by firearm and suffocation, according to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. (Adobe Stock)

Research confirms social media's deadly effects on youth of color

Social media platforms are used by practically everyone, but most widely by teens. One study pinpoints a link between online racism and higher rates …

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers its Soul Shop for Black Churches program to help faith leaders minister to congregants who may be struggling or who have been affected by suicide. (Adobe Stock)

Research shows harmful social media content impacts Black youths

Social media platforms are used by practically everyone but most widely by teens. One study pinpoints a link between online racism and higher rates …

People are more likely to believe misinformation that paints opponents in a negative light than they are to believe misinformation that is negative about their own in-group, according to the American Psychological Association. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Expert explains how 'weaponization' of social media threatens democracy

The use of social media to organize the January 6th insurrection marked a turning point in American political protest, according to a scholar on …

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data tracker in the most recent week this month, more than 32,000 people have been hospitalized for COVID-19. (Cherryandbees/Adobe Stock)

Health misinformation vs. science: Can you tell the difference?

In Arkansas and across the country, public health experts say the rapid spread of health misinformation online is contributing to a dangerous decline …

The Jan. 6 Committee's final report revealed members of the Oath Keepers and other Trump allies stockpiled weapons near Washington, D.C., as they waited for the former president to invoke the Insurrection Act and deploy the military for domestic law enforcement. (spidey888/Adobe Stock)<br />

Democracy challenged by social media 'networked incitement'

The use of social media to organize the Jan. 6 insurrection marked a turning point in American political protest, according to a leading media and …

Social media's 'networked incitement' the latest challenge to democracy

The use of social media to organize the Jan. 6 insurrection marked a turning point in American political protest, according to a leading media and …

If the new defamation bill becomes law, it is unlikely to survive a legal challenge due to what critics say are its clear violations of free speech and anti-discrimination laws. (Pixabay)

FL lawmakers back in Tallahassee to debate limits on abortion, free speech

Within hours of the start of Florida's legislative session, newly filed bills are set to test the limits on hot-button topics such as abortion and …

Studies show the development and dissemination of vaccines have saved millions of lives and played a critical role in historic increases in average life expectancy - from 47 years in 1900 in the U.S. to 76 years in 2023. (Adobe Stock)

Vaccination rates decline as health misinformation spreads online

Public health experts say the rapid spread of health misinformation online is contributing to a dangerous decline in vaccination rates. Surveys …

By 2022, 32% of bills that passed the Kentucky House and 24% that passed the Senate were fast-tracked in ways that cut out the public, according to a new League of Women Voters of Kentucky report. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Report: KY lawmakers increasingly fast-track bills, reducing transparency

Kentucky lawmakers convene this week for the 2024 legislative session, and a new report finds state representatives are increasingly fast-tracking …

AZ election official tests artificial intelligence ahead of 2024 election

The Grand Canyon State's top election official is testing open-access artificial-intelligence tools in preparation for a potential wave of disinformat…

According to the National Association of Broadcasters, 82 million Americans depend on AM radio each month for news, entertainment and safety. (thexfilephoto/Adobe Stock)

Requiring AM radio in vehicles benefits rural Nebraskans

The passage of a bipartisan, bicameral bill in the U.S. Congress would be very beneficial to people in rural parts of Nebraska. It could also make …

According to the State of Local News report from Northwestern University, today there are only about 550 local or state digital news sites in the entire country, and fewer than 1,000 active local minority or ethnic news outlets - the vast majority of which are located in major cities or state capitals. (Adobe Stock)

Alabamians struggle with limited local news access in rural communities

Alabama's local news landscape is experiencing a severe divide, leaving rural communities at a significant disadvantage. The latest State of Local …

Since 2005, research shows the number of journalists employed by newspapers has declined by 60%, a loss of 43,000 reporters and editors. (junce11/AdobeStock)

Study: Shuttered small-town newspapers sink community vitality

Three million residents in more than 200 U.S. counties don't have access to a single local news source, according to a new study. In New Mexico…

A 2022 Pew Research survey found 61% of U.S. adults trust national news, 71% trust local news, and 33% trust news on social media. Among those ages 18-29, however, 50% said they trust news on social media sites. (Scanrail/Adobe Stock)

Report: NE lost 7% of its local weekly newspapers in 2023

A new report says some Nebraska communities have lost a major source of local news this year. The "State of Local News" report evaluates the …

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Media Reform

NM lawmaker says journalists of all stripes need protection

Press Forward supports small-town CO newsrooms

NM voters urged to make a stand for free, fair, safe elections

NM political expert says 'polarization' is the logical 'word of the year'

MD newsrooms experience slight dip in 2024

Addressing Montana's expanding 'news deserts'

Bill in Congress could protect journalists, sources

IN sees a downturn of news options

SD Public Broadcasting: Proposed budget cuts could mean insolvency

Trust in local media strong, despite loss of OR newspapers

IL news options for rural populations remain limited

Elon Musk, Joe Rogan spread misinformation on agriculture

More WI newspapers shutter, but people seem to trust them most

Internet, press freedom groups sound alarm at Trump's choice for FCC

Checking the pulse of MN's news landscape

How social media strategies are shaping Ohio's vote in 2024 elections

Hoosier voters gain access to nonpartisan election information tool

Ohio voters have more in common than you might think

AR seniors to benefit from Medicare prescription drug cap

Ohio leaders clash over migrant influx, persistent rumors

Federal lawmakers tackle AI-generated ‘deepfakes’ as election nears

New Indiana law: Protection for minors or privacy invasion?

Groups debunk claims of 'skyrocketing' numbers of non-citizen voters

KY to use $12M to boost internet access in underserved communities

Kids Count Data Book shows some improvement for TN children

Journalists, advocates challenge Missouri's new redaction rules

Survey: 70% of parents report concern over child’s mental health

Parents press for online child safety reforms amid Congressional reform

Measuring long-term impact of Simpson trial on media literacy

NY senior advocates see advantages to dual-use special needs plans

AZ could lead way in AI-related legislation

Report: AZ has no data privacy law, expert says its time to take action

Social media CEOs apologize to victim families for harm experienced online

AI could undermine trust ahead of 2024 election

Research confirms social media's deadly effects on youth of color

Research shows harmful social media content impacts Black youths

Expert explains how 'weaponization' of social media threatens democracy

Health misinformation vs. science: Can you tell the difference?

Democracy challenged by social media 'networked incitement'

Social media's 'networked incitement' the latest challenge to democracy

FL lawmakers back in Tallahassee to debate limits on abortion, free speech

Vaccination rates decline as health misinformation spreads online

Report: KY lawmakers increasingly fast-track bills, reducing transparency

AZ election official tests artificial intelligence ahead of 2024 election

Requiring AM radio in vehicles benefits rural Nebraskans

Alabamians struggle with limited local news access in rural communities

Study: Shuttered small-town newspapers sink community vitality

Report: NE lost 7% of its local weekly newspapers in 2023