Local Journalism: Needed Now More Than Ever

In an era of shrinking newsrooms and information overload, local journalism remains essential for building informed communities and holding institutions accountable. This conversation brings together UGA journalism professor Monimala Basu, Keith Pepper, publisher of Rough Draft Atlanta, Patrick Graham, Publisher of The Covington News and The Walton Tribune, and Janel Davis of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution to explore the challenges and opportunities facing local news today. From sustaining independent outlets to covering stories that national media overlook, these journalists will share why local reporting matters more than ever—and how it shapes the future of our cities and neighborhoods.