Editor: Why we need your support to expand our coverage of local journalism

As you’re reading this column, somewhere in America, a newspaper publisher is making one of the most painful decisions she’s ever confronted: Closing the doors of a newsroom that has served its community for generations.

It is a tragic reality that is unfolding across the country. Owners of media companies — in markets small and large — have been hammered by a declining local advertising base and Big Tech’s domination of the digital sales scene, primarily through Google and Facebook.

The toll of those trends is apparent in new research coming from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, one of the most respected in the country. The findings are alarming: In 2023, the average number of newspapers disappearing has increased to 2.5 per week from two in 2022.

In this year alone, 131 newspapers across 77 counties have either merged with another newspaper or ceased publication altogether.

And more bad news is on the horizon. Medill’s researchers predict that by the end of 2024, one-third of all American newspapers will have disappeared since 2005. Already, the dark clouds are gathering as 204 of 3,143 counties in the U.S. are without any local newspaper.

Why should this wave of closures worry us?

Research has shown that in “news deserts” (those markets without a consistent source of local news and information) voter participation shrinks, the risk of shenanigans by public employees with taxpayer dollars rises and threats to fundamental aspects of our country — from civility to good government — soars without a consistent media watchdog and advocate in our communities.

“The significant loss of local news outlets in poorer and under-served communities poses a crisis for our democracy,” said Penny Abernathy, a Medill visiting professor who co-authored the report. She’s spent years surveying newspaper trends across the country.

Let me reassure you by saying there is no threat of the Herald-Leader shuttering its doors.

We are a financially sound Kentucky institution with roots going back to 1870. We continue to adjust to readers’ shift to their smartphones and tablets, as well as the pursuit by advertisers to tap into strategies to engage with consumers and market goods and services.

Yet, I’m writing today to ask for your financial help, beyond your subscription to our print edition or to kentucky.com.

The harsh economic realities of our industry mean our staff is smaller today than it was just a few years ago.

Are our journalists talented? Passionate? Dedicated to serving you and communities across Kentucky? Undoubtedly.

But it’s clear to me, after my first two months as executive editor of the Herald-Leader, there are key topics we should be covering that we just cannot do today because of staffing limitations.

Here’s how you can help: I would humbly ask you to consider a tax-deductible financial contribution to expand our staff and provide more comprehensive coverage in three key areas:

• More insightful articles about the changing economy across the commonwealth, but particularly in Central Kentucky. Our state is experiencing a high-tech boom and an economic renaissance in many communities. We aren’t providing enough coverage of that trend or the close-to-home stories about local entrepreneurs and small business owners whose hard work drives our local economy.

• More investigative journalism. We need a second watchdog reporter to safeguard your tax dollars and monitor the work done by public agencies, politicians and bureaucrats. This is work that makes a difference in the lives of our most vulnerable citizens and empowers taxpayers who demand accountability.

• More storytelling. There are countless individuals who are making a difference in prominent ways across Lexington and Central Kentucky. We are failing you by not telling their stories and capturing the heartbeat of what makes this community and our commonwealth so great -- its people.

Yes, I know it’s a big ask. But the need is great.

Since my late-September arrival, I cannot tell you how grateful I am for the warm welcome, smart ideas and overall support you’ve offered me.

I’ve learned very quickly we share a common belief: The Herald-Leader is a great news organization — but it must be better.

And with your help, we will be.

Please consider a gift to our Impact Journalism Fund through kentucky.com/donate during this holiday season.

If you prefer to send a check, please make it out to Journalism Funding Partners and write Lexington Herald-Leader in the memo line. Mail it to 1601 Alhambra Blvd., Suite 100, Sacramento, California, 95816.

Once again, this tax-deductible opportunity is an opportunity for you to help me elevate the quality and quantity of local journalism here.

It also sends a clear signal that despite the struggles confronting American newsrooms, local journalism truly matters here in Lexington -- and our community, readers like you, recognizes its importance.

Don’t hesitate to contact me at rgreen@herald-leader.com if you had additional questions or want to discuss how you can financially support our newsroom.

Any gift would earn my deepest appreciation.

Enjoy this holiday season and thanks, as always, for reading the Herald-Leader and kentucky.com

Richard Green is our executive editor. Email: rgreen@herald-leader.com. Follow him on X at @EditorRAG.