Yes, investigative and statehouse journalism still exists in Illinois

Yes, investigative and statehouse journalism still exists in Illinois

ByReginald Hardwick

As we ask Who’s in charge of news?, today, we’re exploring non-profit news organizations focused on hard-hitting investigations and statehouse reporting. We’re joined by representatives from Pro-Publica, the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting, and Capitol News Illinois. GUESTS: Brant Houston Journalism Professor, Knight Chair in Investigative Reporting, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Steve Mills Deputy Midwest Editor, ProPublica Jerry Nowicki Bureau Chief, Capitol News Illinois Tony…

Champaign schools will continue to use private security in the wake of police officer shortages
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Champaign schools will continue to use private security in the wake of police officer shortages

ByEmily Hays

CHAMPAIGN – Chicago-based security company AGB will continue to guard Champaign public schools this year. The company won out against the other bidder for the work — Stockholm-based Securitas. The Champaign Unit 4 School District Board of Education unanimously approved the contract on Monday, with questions about how the company has done so far. “There’s…

Who owns local newspapers and TV newsrooms?

Who owns local newspapers and TV newsrooms?

ByReginald Hardwick

There are plenty of choices for you to get national news these days, but coverage of your local community, schools and small businesses is getting harder to find. Today on The 21st, learn about the six companies that own most of the TV stations and newspapers in downstate Illinois and how it affects coverage. GUESTS: David Folkenflik …

As newspapers struggle, some areas are becoming ‘news deserts’

As newspapers struggle, some areas are becoming ‘news deserts’

ByJim Meadows

URBANA – The term “news desert” describes an area with a shortage of news coverage. According to research by Penelope Muse Abernathy, 28 Illinois counties have just one newspaper apiece, while two counties (Hamilton and Pulaski in southern Illinois) have none. As a journalism professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Abernathy…