Media deserts are geographic locations where local news is difficult to find. This may be caused by the reduction in newspaper staffs or the closing of local publications. For example, did you know that the Denver Post is owned by Digital First Media, the largest privately-owned newspaper chain by circulation? When cities begin to lose their newspapers to financial powerhouses, how can those communities stay informed on local news? Essentially, how can communities compete with these emerging threats of news desert?

Knowing the makers of the news media such as reporters and journalists is a crucial step in fighting these threats to free press. While many local news platforms throughout the country are owned by investment and private corporations, cities like Denver are thriving with non-profit and independent media organizations providing a fresh and local perspective on news that is important for the city’s residents.