Know It All - The Vanishing Press: Why the Decline of Newspapers Matters

Know It All

When was the last time you picked up a physical newspaper? With digital news dominating our screens, print journalism has slowly faded into the background—but at what cost? In this episode of Know-It-All, host Brianna Whittaker explores the consequences of the newspaper industry's decline, from political polarization and misinformation to economic downturns and job losses. As newspaper circulation plummets to historic lows, what does this mean for our democracy and access to reliable news? Tune in as we discuss why the disappearance of print media is more than just a sign of changing times—it's a crisis for informed communities.

About the Host:

Brianna Whittaker is a Digital Forensics major at The Community College of Baltimore County. A passionate researcher and storyteller, Brianna enjoys exploring thought-provoking topics that challenge conventional perspectives. In addition to her studies, she balances life as a stay-at-home mom, embracing a slower-paced lifestyle while finishing her degree.

With a love for media, research, and creative expression, Brianna has enjoyed diving into the world of Mass Media through her MCOM111 course with Professor Beth Baunoch. She is an avid fan of making home videos, spending time with her cat, and letting her curiosity guide her through fascinating topics—like the one covered in this episode.

For this podcast, Brianna discussed the decline of print newspapers, which she believes is overlooked in today’s fast-paced digital world. By sparking conversation, she hopes to encourage listeners to reflect on the role of journalism in shaping informed communities.

Further Exploration:

https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/fact-sheet/newspapers/

https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2022/06/newspapers-close-decline-in-local-journalism/

https://www.governing.com/archive/gov-newspapers-government-studies.html

Works Cited

• Dews, Fred, and Eric Bull. “The Decline of Newspapers, in Four Charts.” Brookings, 23 Oct. 2014, www.brookings.edu/articles/the-decline-of-newspapers-in-four-charts/.
• Karter, Erin. “As Newspapers Close, Struggling Communities Are Hit Hardest by the Decline in Local Journalism.” News.northwestern.edu, 29 June 2022, news.northwestern.edu/stories/2022/06/newspapers-close-decline-in-local-journalism/.
• PEW RESEARCH CENTER. “Trends and Facts on Newspapers | State of the News Media.” Pew Research Center’s Journalism Project, 10 Nov. 2023, www.pewresearch.org/journalism/fact-sheet/newspapers/.
• “When No News Isn’t Good News: What the Decline of Newspapers Means for Government.” Governing, 23 Apr. 2019, www.governing.com/archive/gov-newspapers-government-studies.html.