Amid widespread frustration over government transparency and the decline of local news, a recent New York Focus listening tour revealed a clear desire among New Yorkers for change — both in how they access information and how local media serves their communities.
The listening tour, conducted between Fall 2023 and Spring 2024, included surveys and in-person sessions in Rochester, Albany, Potsdam, and Syracuse. Residents voiced their struggles with navigating state systems, accessing basic civic information, and the shrinking presence of local journalism. The findings highlight systemic issues in New York’s media landscape and gaps in the public’s ability to engage in democracy.
Across all locations, participants consistently expressed challenges with government transparency. Residents in Albany, the state’s capital, described difficulty accessing basic legislative information, while those in Syracuse noted confusion when using government websites. Journalists shared these frustrations, with local newsroom leaders acknowledging that even they struggle to obtain public documents and navigate government portals.
“Anything with state or local government — you have to know where to look for it,” said Erica Smith, managing editor of the Times Union. “Access to simple things like meeting times, agendas, minutes — what’s going on, where and when — [are hard to find].”
The report also found that dwindling newsroom resources hinder the ability to provide vital civic information. As newspapers shutter or reduce staff, many regions rely on just one or two reporters to cover entire counties. This often leaves local issues, such as county legislatures or community organizing, underreported or delayed.
In Rochester, attendees lamented the city’s portrayal as a “city in decline,” particularly after the collapse of major employers like Kodak and Xerox. Concerns about poverty and housing affordability dominated discussions. Residents noted the lack of easily accessible information about public meetings, school boards, and local government decisions. “You have to turn it into a hobby to show up,” one participant said about keeping up with civic matters.
Crime coverage was another contentious issue. Both Rochester and Syracuse participants criticized local media for sensationalizing crime without offering context or solutions. In Syracuse, attendees highlighted the disparity between how crime is covered in the city compared to its suburbs, a narrative they said stokes fear and division.
“There are contrasting narratives: city teens involved in crime on one page, suburban kids celebrated on the next,” one Syracuse resident observed. “The city vs. suburban narrative echoes.”
The North Country session in Potsdam underscored a sense of isolation, with attendees feeling their region is overlooked by state media. The loss of local news reporters has amplified this void. Many rely on North Country Public Radio (NCPR) for reliable information but noted political polarization has divided how residents consume news.
While frustrations were widespread, hope emerged in the form of newsrooms striving to adapt through collaborations and community engagement. New York’s local media organizations are increasingly sharing resources and content to maintain coverage, though lack of funding remains a significant hurdle.
David Sommerstein, news director at NCPR, pointed out the challenges of navigating state systems: “The Senate and Assembly system for looking up votes is completely opaque. It’s hard for journalists to find their way through it, let alone someone who wants to engage in a small way.”
The New York Focus listening tour highlights that while New Yorkers are eager to engage in democracy, systemic barriers — from poor government transparency to shrinking newsrooms — impede their participation. As media organizations seek to address these gaps, the demand for accessible, community-focused journalism has never been clearer.
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