In this episode, Daralyse Lyons and Emily Smith tackle one of the biggest questions facing local journalism: how do we fund real reporting in an era dominated by algorithms? Inspired by a DAME Magazine article shared by a reader (thank you, Michael), they explore the collapse of traditional ad revenue, the rise of AI and social media, and the growing vulnerability of communities caught in echo chambers.
They discuss how six states have begun treating journalism as public infrastructure — and why that’s only part of the solution and introduces new challenges. The conversation highlights how community investment keeps watchdog reporting alive, trains new journalists, and ensures free, accessible coverage for everyone in Bucks County.
Ultimately, Dara and Emily remind us that sustaining local news isn’t just about dollars. It’s about supporting civic life. When readers step up, they help preserve the connective tissue that holds communities together and ensure that truth, not algorithms, shapes the stories that matter most.
To learn more, read Can Treating Journalism Like Public Infrastructure Fix Our Broken Media?
And to support the Beacon, visit Support the Beacon - Bucks County Beacon or email daralyse@buckscountybeacon.com.
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