HAGERSTOWN, MD News (1/1/2024) – In an era marked by the shifting landscape of local journalism, Ken Buckler, President of Radio Free Hub City, addresses the challenges faced by communities grappling with a diminishing local news presence. Buckler’s upcoming book, aptly titled “Fixing Local News,” delves into the intricate issues surrounding the decline of local journalism, particularly within the context of news deserts emerging from corporate buyouts and relocations.
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Buckler’s perspective is shaped by his role as the President of Radio Free Hub City, a community-driven media outlet striving to fill the void left by the corporate buyout of the local newspaper and the relocation of the area’s TV news station. His observations reflect the broader concern of many communities facing what is colloquially known as a “news desert.” This term refers to areas where residents experience a significant lack of local news coverage, leaving them uninformed about crucial events within their community.
The genesis of “Fixing Local News” lies in Buckler’s firsthand experience navigating the challenges posed by corporate decisions that shifted the focus away from local reporting, and his efforts to build local news media sites serving the greater Hagerstown and Washington County Maryland area. The book aims to shed light on the repercussions of such decisions, which can result in a disconnect between communities and the news that directly affects them.
At the core of Buckler’s narrative is the impact of corporate buyouts on the traditional pillars of local news, such as the local newspaper, and the consequences of TV news stations relocating to prioritize coverage of larger markets, notably Washington, DC. As corporate giants streamline operations and consolidate resources, the collateral damage is often felt in smaller communities left with limited access to timely, relevant information.
“Fixing Local News” doesn’t merely spotlight the challenges but also explores potential solutions to bridge the widening gap. Buckler envisions a scenario where community-driven media outlets, like Radio Free Hub City, play a pivotal role in revitalizing local news coverage. By actively engaging with the community and fostering a sense of shared responsibility for news dissemination, these outlets aim to counteract the effects of news deserts.
Buckler’s measured approach in “Fixing Local News” encourages a thoughtful examination of the intricate dynamics at play. The book isn’t a diatribe against corporate entities or a lament for a bygone era of journalism. Instead, it offers a pragmatic exploration of the evolving news landscape and the possibilities for grassroots initiatives to reclaim the narrative.
The book will be available for sale online.
Article by multiple RFHC contributors. Ken Buckler is the President and Editor of Radio Free Hub City.
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