Editor's note 4/25/24

By Fletcher Farrar

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It's great that the decline of local news has gotten attention lately, and that foundations, universities and government task forces are spending money on the problem. But the more proposals that are offered, the more obvious it becomes that nobody has found a solution. Nonprofit journalism is one idea, but earlier this month Chicago Public Media announced layoffs at WBEZ, Chicago's NPR affiliate, amid declining fundraising, listenership and philanthropic support. Statewide, NPR affiliates are suffering financially as the full effects of government and university cutbacks are being felt. News "deserts" are being identified, particularly in deep southern Illinois, but no news startups are rushing to areas with few people and little money. Northwestern University claims to be "changing the face of local news" by helping five news outlets to succeed in business. All five are in the desert called Chicago. –Fletcher Farrar, editor

About The Author

Fletcher Farrar

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Fletcher Farrar is the editor of Illinois Times .

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