We the Texans: Local news and democracy

When local newspapers shrink or shutter, it leaves a gap in news access that other local news outlets struggle to fill, causing news deserts — communities without reliable local news sources. Texans in news deserts struggle to navigate misinformation and often grow to mistrust the media and other institutions.

On Thursday, May 9, The Texas Tribune hosted “We the Texans: Local news and democracy,” as part of our yearlong initiative examining the state of democracy in Texas. In this solutions-focused conversation, Nic Garcia, the Tribune’s regions editor, talks with media experts and community leaders about the challenges local communities face and what can be done to ensure Texans across the state have access to reliable local news.

Speakers include:
Mitch Borden, Permian Basin reporter, Marfa Public Radio
Patrick Canty, publisher, Odessa American
Benjamin Toff, assistant professor, Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Minnesota

Sign up for the “We the Texans” newsletter at trib.it/HNA to get twice-monthly updates on our yearlong initiative dedicated to listening to Texans, boosting civic engagement and exploring how democracy is experienced in Texas. Delivered every other Wednesday.

To watch more events from The Texas Tribune, visit texastribune.org/events.

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