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Local news deserts are costly to communities. Here's how you can help
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Local news deserts are costly to communities. Here's how you can help

Posted: 2026-06-09T22:41:32.000Z

As newsrooms shrink, media companies consolidate and communities lose access to trusted local information, a new WRAL documentary explores what is at stake for North Carolina.

"Left Uncovered: Inside North Carolina's News Deserts" premieres Wednesday, June 10, 2026
  • Watch it at 7:30 p.m. on WRAL-TV
    • Watch on-demand on WRAL.com, in the WRAL News app on your connected TV
      • Watch on-demand on WRAL's YouTube channel

        Produced by WRAL Documentary Investigative Reporter Cristin Severance and photojournalist Dwayne Myers, the documentary examines the changing landscape of local journalism and the impact on communities across the state.

        From small-town newspapers to local television and public media, the documentary explores how the industry is evolving and what happens when fewer journalists are left to cover local issues.

        “Of course, this is personal for us as journalists. But this documentary isn't about journalists. It's about communities,” said Severance. “We wanted viewers to understand what's at stake when local news disappears: access to reliable information, accountability for those in power, and the role a free press plays in our democracy."

        The documentary also highlights the people working to save local journalism, including independent publishers, broadcasters and community leaders searching for new ways to keep local news alive.

        Here are a list of groups, publishers and leaders mentioned during the documentary

        Local Media Association Works with 3,000+ newspapers, broadcasters, digital news sites and R&D partners https://localmedia.org/

        Press Forward Network with chapters nationwide, working to strengthen local news so communities stay informed, connected and engagedhttps://www.pressforward.news/

        Knight FoundationSupports organizations that are building the future of local news in the United Stateshttps://legacy.knightfoundation.org/features/localnews/

        Journalism Funding Partners Builds connections between funders and news organizations to help increase the depth, diversity and sustainability of local journalismhttps://www.jfp-local.org/

        News outlets keeping the local news focus alive in their communities 

        The Pilot

        The Sway: The Insider Guide to The Pines 

        Local News Day NC 2026: News Cafes across the state

        My Tarboro Today