Asheville – The Leadership Asheville Forum recently hosted its February Critical Issues Luncheon, featuring prominent journalists Mark Barrett and John Bole. The event focused on the challenges facing local journalism amidst the rise of corporate and alternative media. Attendees gathered to discuss the importance of supporting credible journalism and the implications of declining traditional news outlets.
Decline of Local News Coverage
Barrett and Bole shared insights into the significant decline in newsroom staff, particularly at the Citizen-Times. “When I started in 1995, I’m going to guess we had 80 people in the newsroom in the Citizen-Times building,” said Bole. “When I left in 2022, we were on the second floor with less than ten journalists.” This stark reduction in personnel reflects broader trends in the journalism industry, where economic pressures have led to layoffs and diminished local news coverage.
Bole further emphasized the impact of this decline, stating, “What we’ve seen is just this erasure of local news. It’s still there, but it’s a skeleton of what it was.”
The financial implications of these changes are significant. As traditional media outlets struggle to maintain profitability, the reliance on advertising revenue has diminished their ability to cover local issues comprehensively.
The shrinking presence of local journalism has raised concerns about community engagement and informed citizenry. Barrett echoed these sentiments, urging attendees to support nonprofit journalism outlets. “If you want to know what’s going on or want someone to tell you things that are not obvious or do investigative reporting, you’ve got to support folks like Blue Ridge Public Radio and Asheville Watchdog,” said Barrett.
Community Engagement and Media Literacy
The luncheon also addressed the responsibility of news consumers in navigating information sources. Barrett encouraged attendees to be proactive in seeking diverse perspectives on local governance, stating, “You have to be a little more adventurous and look a little bit farther around if you’re really interested in Buncombe County or Asheville city government.”
Moreover, Barrett stressed the need for media literacy in combating misinformation. He remarked, “One thing I keep in mind is if someone sends you something and it doesn’t have a source, ask them what the source is and go check the source yourself.”
The discussion also touched on the implications of selective press access by government officials. Barrett warned against practices that could undermine democratic principles, stating, “It’s essential for journalists to continue advocating for equal access while maintaining their integrity as reporters-regardless of who’s in office!” The discussion highlighted the potential dangers of limiting press access, which can lead to biased reporting and a lack of accountability from those in power.
Barrett also pointed out that understanding state-level governance is crucial for local communities. “If you want to know, Raleigh determines how much money your schools get and what they can teach.” The forum highlighted the importance of community involvement in supporting local journalism efforts.
The Leadership Asheville Forum aims to foster ongoing dialogue about pressing issues related to media integrity and encourage citizens to actively participate in discussions about credible news sources. The luncheon served as a reminder that informed communities are essential for a healthy democracy.
The next Leadership Asheville Forum will be held March 26 at the Asheville Country Club and discuss the ongoing Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, six months after the storm devastated much of Western North Carolina.