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A look at the local news landscape, and how to spot 'pink slime' journalism

Standing in a local bookstore, Andy Thibault, Editor and Publisher of The Winsted Citizen, left, looks over the paper's first issue with town planner Lance Hansen, center, as Winsted economic development director Ted Shafer, right, looks over his own copy, Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, in Winsted, Conn.
Jessica Hill
/
AP
Andy Thibault, Editor and Publisher of The Winsted Citizen, left, looks over the papers first issue with town planner Lance Hansen, center, as Winsted economic development director Ted Shafer, right, looks over his own copy, Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, in Winsted, Conn. At a time that local newspapers are dying at an alarming rate, longtime activist Ralph Nader is helping give birth to one. Nader put up $15,000 to help launch The Winsted Citizen and hired a veteran Connecticut journalist, Andy Thibault, to put it together.

Some 2,500 local newspapers have closed in the United States since 2005, 55 of which were in Connecticut. Researchers at the Northwestern Medill Local News Initiative have mapped out gaps in local coverage, marking "news deserts" across the country, including our own Tolland County, Connecticut's "quiet corner."

Still, there are 20 online news organizations, 13 ethnic media outlets, and five public radio broadcasting stations filling the void where we live, including Connecticut Public. And those researchers say they’re fielding more and more calls from hopeful newcomer newspapers.

One new paper recently popped up in Connecticut called the Winsted Citizen, linked to longtime consumer advocate and Winsted native Ralph Nader. We’ll hear from their editor and publisher Andy Thibault.

But first, journalist Ryan Zickgraf coined the term “pink slime journalism” to refer to low-quality journalism disguised as local news. Ten years later, he says the problem has evolved.

Plus, UConn journalism professor Amanda Crawford and FreePress senior counsel Nora Benavidez join us.

GUESTS:

  • Ryan Zickgraf: Journalist
  • Amanda J. Crawford: Assistant Professor of Journalism, University of Connecticut
  • Nora Benevidez: Senior Counsel and Director of Digital Justice and Civil Rights, FreePress
  • Andy Thibault: Editor and Publisher, Winsted Citizen
  • Ralph Nader: Consumer Advocate, Former Presidential Candidate

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Katie is a producer for Connecticut Public Radio's news-talk show 'Where We Live.' She has previously worked for CNN and News 8-WTNH.
Catherine is the Host of Connecticut Public’s morning talk show and podcast, Where We Live. Catherine and the WWL team focus on going beyond the headlines to bring in meaningful conversations that put Connecticut in context.