In the age of the 24-hour news cycle, it’s easy to assume we’re well-informed about the inner workings of our society. However, in small towns like those scattered throughout St. Francois County, a different narrative persists. With a lack of investigative journalists and media oversight, the leaders of these communities can sometimes operate with an unsettling lack of scrutiny.
For a place like Farmington, the closest semblance of a local media outlet is often a property owned by large companies such as Lee Enterprises, a corporation that operates over 75 daily newspapers across the country. As quaint as this may sound, the idyllic image of the local paper belies a harsher truth: the business model of many of these local newspapers is not conducive to the kind of hard-hitting, investigative journalism required to hold local leaders accountable.
Indeed, Warren Buffett, one of the world’s most successful investors and a significant shareholder in Lee Enterprises, has made no secret of the fact that newspapers aren’t a high priority for him. In his 2012 letter to shareholders, Buffett wrote, “The [newspaper] industry is in permanent decline and no amount of cost-cutting can change that.” And yet, Buffett continues to invest, viewing the newspapers’ steady cash flow and minimal capital requirements as worthwhile despite the decline. He is, after all, a shrewd businessman.
So, where does this leave small communities seeking journalistic scrutiny of their leaders?
In the gap left by the diminishing local press, some citizens are stepping up to the plate. These ‘citizen journalists’ are community members who take it upon themselves to research, investigate, and report on local issues. They leverage social media platforms to share their findings, often reaching a wider audience than traditional local newspapers.
However, there is a critical caveat. While the intentions of these citizen journalists are often noble, they lack the formal training and resources necessary for robust journalistic endeavors. They might not fully understand how to verify information, protect sources, or navigate the complex legal issues surrounding defamation and privacy. As a result, the integrity and reliability of their work can vary.
Another unexpected source filling the void are crime podcasts. With their compelling narratives and investigative drive, these programs are beginning to uncover untold stories and unseen injustices. They’ve become an unconventional but increasingly influential voice in local journalism.
Yet, even with these emergent sources of accountability, it’s a struggle to keep people’s attention on serious, ongoing issues. For instance, consider the disturbingly high number of deaths at the St. Francois County Jail. Despite the urgency and importance of the issue, the community’s attention often wanes, moving on to the next headline or tweet, leaving the issue unresolved.
What does this mean for the future of small-town accountability?
There are no easy answers. Yet, in the absence of traditional investigative journalism, it’s clear that the power of the people – whether through citizen journalism or crime podcasts – is a force to be reckoned with. And perhaps, in this grassroots movement, we might find the seeds of a new kind of accountability – one rooted in community engagement and powered by a relentless quest for truth.
In the meantime, we’re left with a curious paradox – billionaires like Buffett owning a dying industry, small towns without the watchful eye of investigative journalism, and citizen reporters striving to fill the gap. We stand at the crossroads of change, bearing witness to the evolution of accountability. It’s a wild ride, and it’s anyone’s guess where we’re heading. But one thing is certain – the need for responsible, rigorous, and robust journalism has never been more critical.
The pursuit of truth remains our most potent weapon against the unchecked exercise of power.
We live in a time of transformation, and while the old guardians of truth might be in decline, new warriors are emerging. Citizen journalists and podcasters are stepping into the breach, armed with the technology and drive to bring local stories to light. Still, they face an uphill battle – they need training, resources, and a community that values and supports their work.
Local businesses, schools, and individuals can play a role in this effort. Sponsorship of training workshops for citizen journalists, investment in local podcasting talent, and active participation in sharing and discussing local issues are steps in the right direction. Schools could offer courses in journalism to instill in young people an understanding of the field’s principles and the importance of accurate reporting.
As for the legacy newspapers, while they may be in decline, they still hold value – not just for the likes of Buffett but for the communities they serve. Despite the lack of investment, these institutions carry the weight of history and trust. They need to adapt, leverage their digital platforms, and foster partnerships with local citizen journalists and podcasters. These collaborations could rejuvenate local journalism and bring about a more nuanced blend of traditional and modern reporting.
Finally, as consumers of news, we too have a responsibility. We must stay engaged, ask hard questions, and demand accountability from our leaders. Today, more than ever, we need to recognize that the price of liberty is eternal vigilance.
In this rapidly changing landscape of information, the future of local journalism may be uncertain. But in small towns across America, the people are taking up the mantle. Their message is clear: They will seek the truth, they will share their stories, and they will hold power to account. The spirit of investigative journalism is not dead; it’s evolving, and in this evolution, lies the promise of a more participatory, transparent, and accountable future.
In St. Francois County and beyond, the journey is just beginning. The road might be fraught with challenges, but the quest for truth goes on. And in this quest, every citizen has a role to play.