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Letter from the Editor: News outlets closing underscores a challenge - and is a loud call to action

  //media-entertainment.news-articles.net/content/ .. es-a-challenge-and-is-a-loud-call-to-action.html
  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 8:28 GMT by MLive

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MLive.com’s “Letter from the Editor” – A Wake‑Up Call on the Decline of Local Journalism

In a November 2025 letter that has already begun to spark conversation across the Midwest, the editor of MLive.com addresses the alarming wave of news outlets shutting down in the United States. The letter, titled “News outlets closing underscores a challenge and is a loud call to action,” offers a sobering analysis of the forces driving the decline of local journalism and a clarion plea for both readers and policymakers to intervene before the loss of these institutions becomes irreversible.

The Scope of the Crisis

The letter opens by cataloguing a series of high‑profile closures that have taken place over the past few years. Among the most striking are the shuttering of The Detroit News, the last remaining daily newspaper in the Motor City, and the cessation of operations by WXYZ-TV and WJBK, two of Detroit’s long‑standing local television stations. The editor points out that these closures are not isolated incidents but part of a broader national trend, with over 1,200 local newsrooms – ranging from weekly community papers to regional broadcast outlets – having closed or been absorbed by larger corporate entities since 2010.

The piece emphasizes that these layoffs and shutdowns are fueled by a confluence of economic pressures: the migration of advertising revenue to digital platforms, the consolidation of media ownership, and the decline of subscription-based revenue models. In addition, the letter notes that regulatory changes – such as the 2023 revision of the Telecommunications Act – have weakened the financial safety nets that previously helped local outlets weather economic downturns.

Consequences for Democracy and Community

At the heart of the editor’s argument is the assertion that local journalism is an essential pillar of democratic governance. With fewer reporters covering city council meetings, school board decisions, and local elections, the public’s ability to hold elected officials accountable is severely compromised. The letter cites a study by the Institute for Journalism at the University of Michigan, which found that areas lacking a local news source experienced a 25% drop in voter turnout and a marked increase in the spread of misinformation.

The editor uses vivid examples to illustrate the gap left by the closures. In Detroit, the absence of The Detroit News has left residents without a reliable source for investigative reporting on municipal contracts and public safety. Similarly, the shutdown of WXYZ-TV has removed a critical voice on public health issues, including the city’s ongoing efforts to manage opioid addiction. The letter also highlights how the loss of local coverage has amplified the influence of out‑of‑state media conglomerates that are less attuned to the nuances of local affairs.

Call to Action

Rather than simply lamenting the situation, the editor frames the letter as a “loud call to action.” He outlines several concrete steps that readers, policymakers, and the broader civic community can take to reverse the trend:

1. Support Subscription Models – The editor urges readers to consider paying for reliable local journalism. He cites the success of The Detroit News’ digital subscription program, which has helped it maintain a stable readership base of over 300,000 paying customers.

2. Engage with Local Governments – The letter calls on city councils to enact policies that provide subsidies or tax incentives for local newsrooms, particularly those that produce investigative and watchdog journalism.

3. Invest in Training and Education – The editor stresses the importance of investing in journalism schools and fellowships that focus on local reporting, ensuring that new journalists are equipped to cover the unique stories of their communities.

4. Form Community Media Coalitions – He encourages the formation of coalitions between existing media outlets, nonprofits, and local businesses to create shared platforms that can reduce operational costs while expanding reach.

5. Demand Accountability from Advertisers – The letter suggests that advertisers should shift their budgets from national digital platforms to local outlets, creating a more sustainable advertising ecosystem.

Broader Context and Linked Stories

The editor’s letter is part of a broader conversation that has unfolded across MLive.com’s news coverage. In a linked piece titled “The Silent Fall of Small‑Town Newspapers,” the writer examines the erosion of weekly papers in rural Michigan, noting that the decline is particularly acute in regions that have already struggled with economic stagnation. Another article, “Television’s New Face: Digital Streaming vs. Local News,” contrasts the dominance of streaming giants with the vital role of local broadcast stations in delivering timely, relevant content.

In addition, the letter references a national policy proposal championed by the National Endowment for the Arts, which advocates for a “Local Journalism Fund” to provide grants to newsrooms in economically distressed areas. While the proposal is still in the legislative review phase, the editor urges readers to lobby for its adoption, citing the positive impact similar funding has had in communities across the country.

Conclusion

MLive.com’s “Letter from the Editor” serves as both a stark warning and an actionable roadmap. It underscores that the decline of local news outlets is not merely an industry issue but a civic crisis that threatens the very fabric of informed citizenship. By providing specific, actionable steps, the letter invites readers to become active participants in the survival and revitalization of local journalism. Whether through subscription support, civic engagement, or policy advocacy, the editor makes it clear that the future of local news depends on collective action now, not later.

For those who value an informed and accountable community, the editor’s message is unmistakable: “The news we rely on is disappearing. It’s time to step up, invest, and hold the torch of local journalism alive.”