I’d never been to Iowa prior to June of this year, when I passed through Des Moines on a drive across the country east-bound from Denver. Tonight I find myself here again in Des Moines for the same reason, though this time Iowa means something different to me.
Having lived near or in cities my whole life with no connection to the midwest, I probably only gave thought to Iowa when the caucus came around every four years. Since seeing Storm Lake last week, however, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for how Iowa represents more than itself, telling a contemporary American story, at least as it pertains to community journalism. According to a study done by the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media called “The Expanding News Desert,” 17 Iowa counties are only served by one newspaper, and at least three of the Hawkeye State’s newspapers have shuttered since the pandemic as of May 2020. To think that it could be and is worse in some other states is a testament to how dire the crisis of community journalism really is.
If you are like me with no previous or current ties to Iowa, perhaps you’re wondering, why should I care about what’s happening in Iowa? What does the disappearance of its newsrooms have anything to do with me? The answer to this question is simple. When people are left with no local news source to turn to, they are susceptible to becoming mis- or dis-informed, and that makes all of us less safe and throws our politics into peril.
As I mentioned in my first NPR Fan Girl post, the purpose of this newsletter is to spread awareness of the necessity of journalism, especially community-run and nonprofit outlets, and ideally raise some funds to keep supporting the publications and radio stations that keep us engaged, connected, and ultimately, safe. After seeing Storm Lake and learning of the Western Iowa Journalism Foundation, I have named the organization as the first recipient of NPR Fan Girl funds. I hope you’ll continue reading NPR Fan Girl and share this newsletter with your friends and family so that the people of Iowa — and the people of the United States — can live and thrive in an informed society (and so that we keep some seriously talented writers and reporters employed).
The Iowa state welcome sign from I-80 East reads, “Iowa - Fields of Opportunities.” Taken at 4:16 PM Central Time on Friday, November 12, 2021.
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