This page hosts daily news stories about the media, social media, and the journalism industry. Get the latest Hirings and Firings, Media Transactions, Controversies, and more.
Pennsylvania Lawmakers Propose Media Literacy Curriculum Amid Growing Fake News Concerns
Lawmakers in Pennsylvania have introduced bills in both the House and the Senate to mandate a media literacy curriculum for students, aiming to combat misinformation and disinformation. The legislation requires the state’s Department of Education to teach students how to evaluate news sources, distinguish between facts and opinions, and promote critical thinking. The House version includes a six-month implementation timeline and professional development, while the Senate version provides detailed curricular standards. Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration has already developed a digital literacy toolkit, released in September, aimed at helping educators and families tackle online misinformation. Read More (Washington Examiner Rating)
New Report Shows One-Third of U.S. Counties Lack a Full-Time Local Journalist
A landmark report from Rebuild Local News and Muck Rack highlights a severe national shortage of local journalists. Using a new metric, the “Local Journalist Equivalent,” the study found that over 1,000 U.S. counties lack even one full-time local journalist, and two-thirds fall below the national average of 8.2 journalists per 100,000 residents. Surprisingly, urban areas such as the Bronx and Dallas also exhibit significant undercoverage. Vermont has emerged as a leader in local journalism, in part due to its nonprofit media landscape. The report aims to serve as a consistent national standard to track local journalism health and guide public policy, funding, and innovation. Read More (Nieman Lab Rating)
Hearst Acquires Dallas Morning News in $75 Million Deal, Expands Texas Media Presence
Hearst has agreed to purchase the Dallas Morning News for $75 million, ending 140 years of family control and making it part of Hearst’s expanding portfolio in Texas. Already owning newspapers in Houston, San Antonio, and Austin, this acquisition positions Hearst to potentially dominate statewide political and legislative news coverage in these areas. The Morning News is expected to retain most of its newsroom staff, now under the leadership of newly appointed executive editor Colleen McCain Nelson. The acquisition is a rare example of reinvestment in local news, contrasting with cost-cutting takeovers by hedge funds such as Alden Global Capital. Read More (Poynter Rating)
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This is such a feel-good share.