Could 2020 lead us toward the loss of local TV news? Rachel Davis Mercy's piece discusses why she thinks it will. She explains that because of the aging population of local TV news viewers that local news reports are on their way out. She described how it is not only due to the aging population getting older but there are other factors at play. Local television news has always been designed for a wide base of viewers with varying political views, interests and socio-economic levels. Now, there are competing news sites that are geared for smaller, niche groups that tend to pull viewers in. In addition, she mentions probably the most compelling argument of all. That is, that people are getting rid of their cable and relying on streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. Local news access is not always available to those viewers and if it is, the viewers tend to disregard it for more niche-based news. She does say we probably won't see a drop in revenue for local TV news due to election-based ads, until the end of the year. According to Mercy, "Billions in political campaign advertising revenue will disguise it, but 2020 will be the year when local television news begins the downward slide that has plagued local newspapers." Too bad Ron Burgundy. Who's going to keep San Diego classy now?
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