Busted Newspaper Boonville, MO? Here’s the Real Reason It Matters

The recent closure of the *Boonville Daily News*, a once-vibrant newspaper serving the small central Missouri town of Boonville, has sent ripples far beyond Cooper County. While the immediate impact is felt locally, the shuttering is indicative of a much larger, nationally relevant crisis: the collapse of local journalism and its devastating consequences for communities.

Who & What: The Demise of the *Boonville Daily News*

The *Boonville Daily News*, a daily newspaper published in Boonville, Missouri, ceased publication in late October 2023. The newspaper, owned by Phillips Media Group, had served as a primary source of local news and information for the community for decades. Its coverage included city council meetings, school board decisions, local crime reports, high school sports, and community events. Its closure leaves a significant information void for Boonville's estimated 8,300 residents.

When & Where: A Recent Closure, a National Trend

The closure occurred abruptly in October 2023. While specific financial details leading to the closure haven't been publicly released, the move aligns with a broader trend affecting small-town newspapers across the United States. The University of North Carolina's Hussman School of Journalism and Media reports that since 2004, the U.S. has lost more than 2,900 newspapers, with most of those closures occurring in smaller, rural communities. This equates to roughly two newspapers closing per week.

Why: The Convergence of Economic Pressures

The decline of local newspapers isn't attributable to a single cause, but rather a confluence of factors.

• Declining Advertising Revenue: The rise of digital advertising platforms like Google and Facebook has siphoned away a significant portion of advertising revenue that once sustained local newspapers. These platforms offer targeted advertising options, often at lower costs, making them attractive to businesses. Pew Research Center data shows that newspaper advertising revenue has plummeted from nearly $50 billion in 2000 to roughly $9.6 billion in 2020.


• Changing Consumption Habits: Younger generations increasingly rely on online sources and social media for news, often bypassing traditional newspapers altogether. This shift in consumption habits has further eroded readership and subscription rates.


• Consolidation and Private Equity Ownership: Many local newspapers have been acquired by large media conglomerates or private equity firms. These owners often prioritize cost-cutting measures, including staff reductions and reduced coverage, to maximize profits. This can lead to a decline in the quality of the newspaper, further accelerating its decline. In the case of Phillips Media Group, they own multiple publications, raising concerns about resource allocation and prioritization.


• Lack of Digital Transformation: While some newspapers have successfully transitioned to a digital-first model, many smaller publications have struggled to adapt to the online environment. They may lack the resources or expertise to develop robust websites, mobile apps, or engaging social media strategies.

Historical Context: A Foundation of Democracy Crumbles

The decline of local newspapers has profound implications for civic engagement and democratic participation. Historically, local newspapers have played a crucial role in:

• Holding Local Officials Accountable: Local reporters attend city council meetings, school board meetings, and other public forums, providing oversight and scrutiny of government actions.


• Informing Citizens: Newspapers provide information about local issues, events, and candidates, empowering citizens to make informed decisions.


• Fostering Community Identity: Local newspapers often serve as a hub for community information, sharing stories about local residents, businesses, and organizations.


• Investigative Journalism: Local newspapers often conduct investigations into local corruption, waste, and abuse of power.

When local newspapers disappear, these essential functions are often left unfulfilled, creating a "news desert" where residents lack access to reliable information about their community. A 2018 study by the University of Notre Dame found that decreased local newspaper coverage was associated with lower voter turnout and increased polarization.

Current Developments: Filling the Void (Maybe)

The closure of the *Boonville Daily News* has spurred some local residents and organizations to explore alternative news sources.

• Existing Regional Media: The *Columbia Missourian*, a newspaper serving the larger Columbia area, may expand its coverage of Boonville. However, this may not fully compensate for the loss of dedicated local coverage.


• Online Startups: There is potential for online news startups to emerge and fill the information void. These platforms often rely on a mix of paid subscriptions, advertising, and donations. However, they often struggle to achieve financial sustainability.


• Community Radio: Local radio stations may also play a larger role in providing local news and information.

Likely Next Steps: A Fight for Local News

The situation in Boonville is a microcosm of the challenges facing local journalism across the country. The following steps are likely necessary to address this crisis:

• Philanthropic Support: Foundations and donors are increasingly recognizing the importance of local journalism and providing financial support to struggling news organizations.


• Government Policies: Some states and municipalities are exploring policies to support local journalism, such as tax credits for newspaper subscriptions or funding for public media.


• Innovative Business Models: News organizations need to experiment with new business models, such as membership programs, events, and data services, to diversify their revenue streams.


• Community Engagement: Local residents need to actively support local news organizations by subscribing, donating, and engaging with their content.


• Digital Literacy Education: Promoting digital literacy can help residents differentiate between credible news sources and misinformation, strengthening the demand for reliable local information.

The closure of the *Boonville Daily News* is a stark reminder of the fragility of local journalism. Without concerted efforts to support and revitalize local news, communities like Boonville risk losing a vital pillar of their civic life. The future of local news depends on the collective action of journalists, policymakers, philanthropists, and engaged citizens. The fight to save local news is a fight to preserve the health of our democracy.