The Death of Local News is Killing American Democracy

Why don’t Americans trust the media anymore? On this episode of "Deseret Voices," host McKay Coppins sits down with Evan Smith, co-founder of The Texas Tribune and managing director for events at The Atlantic, to dissect the ongoing crisis of trust in American journalism.

As local newspapers vanish and national media outlets face unprecedented strain, a dangerous information vacuum has emerged. Together, Coppins and Smith explore how the hollowing out of community newsrooms has fueled political polarization, giving rise to misinformation and social media echo chambers. But it’s not all bad news. From nonprofit journalism to hyper-local transparency, discover the emerging media models that are fighting to save American democracy and rebuild the bond between journalists and the communities they serve.

In this wide-ranging and candid conversation recorded live on “The Atlantic Across America” tour, Coppins and Smith unpack the structural failures and future possibilities of the American press.

“Deseret Voices” is hosted by award-winning journalists McKay Coppins and Jane Clayson Johnson, who go beyond the headlines to explore the stories, people, and ideas shaping our world today. Through thoughtful, in-depth conversations, the “Deseret Voices” podcast brings clarity and common ground to the complex issues defining our time. 

“Deseret Voices” is a Deseret News podcast, produced by Keira Farrimond, Creative Director - Video & Podcasts. 

Episodes of “Deseret Voices” drop every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. Follow along and join the conversation on YouTube (@deseretnews), Instagram (@deseretnews), Facebook (@deseretnews) and X (@deseret).