Dark deserts: Newspaper decline and its relation to government non-compliance with public records laws

Abstract

This study tests the tenants of democratic theory by examining whether the loss of newspapers in the United States is related to greater government secrecy. Government documents were requested from state agencies, and compliance was recorded to create transparency measures. Analyses indicate that, on average, states with a lower density of newspapers demonstrate worse compliance with public record laws. Also, states with financially weak press associations also demonstrate less transparent government.

Keywords

freedom of information government transparency democratic theory news deserts

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