New Book Exposes 'Elite Democracy' in Local US Newspapers
Professor Nikki Usher, from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, has published a new book, 'News for the Rich, White, and Blue', exploring the market failure of local newspapers in the United States. The work examines how local journalism, driven by subscription revenue, caters to wealthy, white, and liberal news consumers, potentially impacting American democracy.
Usher, who holds appointments in communication and political science, argues that the focus on subscription revenue leads to an 'elite democracy'. She suggests solutions like fostering local partisan reporting and leveraging local institutions for news gathering.
Historically, mainstream journalism has struggled with diversity in newsrooms, often perpetuating the status quo. Financial struggles of newspapers exacerbate this issue, with wealthy white people becoming the primary news consumers. Usher's work highlights that philanthropy, nonprofits, and public media still rely on those who can pay for news, with philanthropy favoring blue cities.
The New York Times, a prominent example, has shifted its survival strategy to explicitly focus on reaching an elite, global audience.
Usher's book, 'News for the Rich, White, and Blue', underscores the need for innovative solutions to ensure local journalism serves the broader public interest. Despite the challenges, Usher remains committed to promoting diverse and inclusive newsrooms, as evidenced by her previous work, 'Interactive Journalism: Hackers, Data, and Code', and her role as a senior fellow at the Open Markets Institute's Center for Journalism and Liberty.
