Local nonprofit news site Salish Current is hosting a free online forum March 17 to discuss the importance of local journalism in strengthening American democracy.
Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson will be joined by national reporters Margaret Sullivan and Hedrick Smith to discuss the decrease in independent local news outlets nationwide.
The issue is urgent, as it is considered by many to contribute to political divisions exacerbated by the spread of disinformation, and the lack of accountability of public institutions.
In partnership with Village Books of Bellingham and Lynden, “Trust 2022: Why Independent Local News is Important to a Strong Democracy” is scheduled for March 17 at 5:30 p.m.
One of the main topics of discussion will be the phenomenon of “ghost newspapers” in which hedge funds or large corporations replace local news outlets.
Forum organizers cite the Bellingham Herald as an example because it is owned by the California-based McClatchy publishing company, controlled by the New Jersey-based hedge fund Chatham Asset Management.
The forum will also address how the community can build up local, independent news organizations that foster trust within democratic institutions.
Registration is required and free of charge. For information, go to salish-current.org/trust2022.
