> When local news disappears, people turn to social media feeds, influencers and gossip https://www.poynter.org/business-work/2026/where-do-people-in-news-deserts-get-information/
Assuming there are local #news even available, be nice if those local news weren't such shit more often than not. Anyhow, if you're turning to #SocialMedia and useless influencers, can't help you there.
And speaking of #news, does not bode well for serious news as opposed to #SocialMedia and influencer bullshit. . .
> Few say Americans have a responsibility to pay for news https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/2026/02/11/few-say-americans-have-a-responsibility-to-pay-for-news/
They're not totally unjustified. Hear me out.
Once upon a time, advertisers and corporate employers paid for journalism. Or in civilised countries, the state helped fund journalism. But today, in late stage capitalism, journalism is a gig job at best and we're being asked as individuals to support the profession. That's not reasonable or sustainable.
Furthermore, legacy media legitimately is nothing but pure propaganda now. Independent journalism is the only trustworthy way to go now. For example, some of the best local investigative journalism in my city is being done by citizen journalists on tiktok and substack. This is normal everywhere.
And we wouldn't know about the Gaza genocide at all if it weren't for social media.
You need to reassess your take. It's not as good as you think.
A. Rivera
Prgauthier