The Urgent Need for Local News in an Age of Social Media Conspiracies and Outright Lies

by

During the initial stages of the wildfires in the Los Angeles area last week, I found myself compulsively switching between different local TV channels to keep updated. Channels like ABC 7, KTLA, KCAL (simultaneously broadcast on CBS 2), NBC 4, and Fox 11 were all at the forefront, providing crucial information while documenting the distressing scenes of our communities under attack.

Whenever I had to travel by car, I found myself tuned into KNX NewsRadio, exploring LAist 89.3, and occasionally KCRW as well. In case of urgent updates, just like most of you, I opted for the Watch Duty app on my phone. Sharing news with friends was part of my routine, while keeping tabs on our team’s status through our own EbMaster workspace on Slack was another essential task.

Whenever I traveled by car, I listened to KNX NewsRadio, LAist 89.3, and occasionally KCRW. When immediate updates were needed, just like most people, I downloaded the Watch Duty app on my phone. Sharing news with friends was a regular activity for me, while monitoring our team’s status through our EbMaster workspace on Slack was also important.)

However, when it came to seeking reliable information, I chose to steer clear of platforms like Twitter/X, or in fact, the typical social media sites. Admittedly, I did occasionally visit these sites to showcase links to some of our meticulously crafted EbMaster articles amidst the turmoil. Yet, a few years ago, I would have found myself glued to Twitter, constantly posting and endlessly scrolling for any snippet of news.

In the past, using social media like X seemed relevant and engaging. However, as misinformation spread by bad actors and spam have become rampant, especially over the last year, I’ve found myself seldom active on it. Last week, I had little desire to return to X. It wasn’t until a user on Bluesky reshared one of my local TV stories and commented on it that I realized how insignificant platforms like X were during this disaster.

@kristapor80.bsky.social pointed out that during the fires, the significance of local journalism became evident. Twitter, once effective for emergency reporting, seemed preoccupied with debating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) matters rather than delivering crucial information. As of now, Bluesky is not equipped to handle local news coverage. Instead, local TV stations took charge.

Essentially, that’s the gist of it. I recall the initial phase of Twitter, which served as a valuable tool for real-time updates about events happening worldwide and locally. In Los Angeles, we’d immediately turn to Twitter whenever we felt an earthquake, allowing us to determine swiftly whether it was an actual seismic event or merely a big truck passing by our street.

Twitter was a great tool back then for real-time updates about global and local events. In L.A., we’d check Twitter when we felt the ground shake to see if it was really an earthquake or just a heavy truck driving by.

One significant event that contributed to referring to Twitter as “the modern town square” was undeniably the Boston bombings in 2013. In real-time, individuals were able to access images and visuals of the incidents, keeping them informed about the situation. Meanwhile, authorities effectively utilized this platform to disseminate safety alerts.

By 2025, social media platforms have abandoned fact-checking, leading to a flood of falsehoods, manipulated images, and entirely fabricated content. I stopped relying on these sources for news because I knew they were unreliable, filled with MAGA propaganda, hate speech, and accounts I don’t follow that now clutter my feed. Worse still are the AI-generated lies, such as the widely shared image of the Hollywood sign ablaze, an event we all know never occurred. It’s likely that many people across the country were fooled by this fake image, believing it to be true.

It’s quite interesting that Mark Zuckerberg chose this moment to exit the fact-checking industry, potentially enabling more falsehoods to circulate unchecked. However, I should note that in the time since then, Meta’s Instagram has become a platform for Los Angeles residents to share resources on how to assist those who have lost their homes and where to donate. Notably, local businesses are utilizing this platform to inform the community about locations offering free meals, essential items, or even places like LACMA or Vidiots where people can take a break from the stress, enjoy a movie, or view some art.

This data proves valuable from a societal perspective, but it’s also a stark reminder of just how crucial local media can be for accurate, reliable news about events like fires and their aftermath. The closure or reduction in size of newspapers and television stations serves as a sobering reminder of what we stand to lose when such institutions cease operations.

Frequently, local TV news is criticized – at times with good reason – for concentrating excessively on sensational stories like murders, car chases, and fires. Delving into the intricate administrative mysteries of City Hall or the school district requires significant effort and time spent cultivating sources; it’s far simpler to train a helicopter camera on a speeding vehicle and produce an exciting report.

In times like the recent L.A. fires, local TV truly has its moment to shine. Amidst the chaos and urgency for information, it’s crucial that we also witness a glimmer of empathy. Last week, I penned an article expressing how deeply this story resonated with many reporters because they were reporting on evacuations and fires in their own communities. Despite this personal connection, these dedicated journalists put in 15-hour shifts, even risking danger as they approached the flames to provide us with a firsthand account of the unfolding events. Remarkably, some didn’t hesitate to set aside their cameras to lend a helping hand when they saw fellow Los Angeles residents in need.

In situations such as these, we view ourselves as first responders,” Wendy Granato, KABC president/GM recently shared with me. “If we don’t step up to inform the people, who else will? This is the essence of local news and journalism, particularly when lives are at stake and information is vital. I am consistently proud of what we accomplish, but in times like this, I hope it underscores for the public the extent of our efforts, dedication, compassion, and necessity.

News channels provided coverage for crucial press conferences, updates on affected neighborhoods due to the fires, weather forecasts including Santa Ana wind predictions, and clarification regarding complex evacuation alerts. They’re helping us navigate the intricate details about insurance matters and future rebuilding processes.

Moreover, it’s crucial to note that they’ve begun verifying facts for the offensive falsehoods spreading rapidly across social media platforms and conservative outlets like Fox News. Let’s ponder this point briefly: At a time when truth is paramount, Facebook and similar entities have opted to hand over control to propagandists instead.

Moving forward with a new presidential administration that appears to favor using social media to disseminate distortions and falsehoods, I express concern for those who have been influenced by these malicious actors. The L.A. fires serve as a stark reminder of the importance of a robust system of broadcast, print, and online journalism. Regrettably, what was once a promising social media public space has transformed into a social media cesspool.

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2025-01-16 20:46