"Dim Prospects for the News Industry"

The news industry in the US is facing mass layoffs, closures, and reader fatigue, with prominent newspapers and media outlets shedding staff and struggling to stay afloat. This comes as Americans prepare for a consequential election year, with concerns about disinformation, A.I.-generated agitprop, and the future of democracy. The pain is particularly felt at the community level, with an average of five local newspapers closing every two weeks and over half of all American counties experiencing limited access to local news.