Disappearing Local Journalists — 22 Who Made a Difference in 2022

Disappearing Local Journalists — 22 Who Made a Difference in 2022

Just a decade ago, there were approximately 250 news reporters, photographers, and editors in Rhode Island. And, that was down from more than 400 two decades earlier.

They covered school committees to make sure the chair was not awarding a contract to their brother-in-law. Watchdogs and news reporters were everywhere.

Now, the once mighty Providence Journal is now a ravished shell of itself — often reporting stories days after competitors.

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And there were science writers and environmental reporters. Local TV had a multitude of investigative reporters.

Then the corporate giants acquired the papers and stations, and the next quarter's EBITDA was more important than covering Cranston and Warwick.

The pace of slashing has only gotten faster. And, the pace of resignations is at a record pace.

In recent months, the depleted Providence Journal jettisoned its editor David Ng, long-time reporters G.Wayne Miller and Linda Borg, and many others took buyouts or have been let go.

Each of the local television stations has seen major departures in the past two months — Danielle North (Nexstar’s WPRI), Katie Davis (Sinclair’s WJAR), Doreen Scanlon (Standard Media) and many others.

Add to the headcount loss is the fact that the talented veterans with institutional knowledge and sources are being replaced.

In the 1990s, the Providence Journal added a paid short-term program for young reporters — they were called internally "BICs"'— like the pen. The term was applied by veteran reporters with no endearment because, in their minds, the BIC pens were disposable.

Now, many newsrooms are filled with inexpensive junior replacements — here for a short time in an effort to get to a bigger TV market or to land a better-paying PR job.

Lots of "storytelling" and little journalism.