Journalism, especially local news, is dying on the vine, according to one Hawaiian Senator.

Between 2008 and 2020, American journalism organizations lost 26% of their jobs and about 100 local newsrooms closed at the peak of the pandemic.

Journalism is defined as the the  preparation and distribution of news and commentary through print, electronic media (blogs,  podcasts, and social media) as well as through radio.

Many news gatherers these days call themselves “multi-media journalists” because not only do they report on the air, but they also opine online.

As current affairs consumers turn away from local news, they are devouring social media, thanks to its immediacy.

News hounds no longer have to wait until the local or national evening newscasts to find out what is happening in their neighborhoods, cities, states or abroad, they simply look down at their cellphone.

The instant a news event breaks, multiple video downloads of the shooting, bombing, riot or attack can be found on Twitter, TikTok, Instagram or Facebook with commentary from everyday Joe’s.

In fact, social media is the most popular way for American adults age 18–29 to get their news.

With the sale of Twitter (which is not an official “news organization”) Elon Musk promises return the flow of free-speech to the platform.

In effect, ordinary citizens are turning into gumshoe reporters first on the scene of a breaking news story.   After all, journalists are not required to have a degree, a permit or a license.

As a result of the decline in local news, Hawaii Democratic Senator Brian Schatz has introduced a resolution supporting local journalism across the nation.

If passed, it would designate April as “Preserving and Protecting Local News Month.”

It calls local journalism “an essential function of democracy.”

Nine other senators are co-sponsoring the resolution with Schatz.