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PBS News Hour

Rural newspapers close in latest blow to local journalism

Season 2025 Episode 227 | 6m 47s

Facing deep financial troubles, News Media Corporation shut down 23 news operations in five states. The closures are just the latest in a trend contributing to news deserts in rural America. Stephanie Sy discussed what this means for the future of local news with Teri Finneman, a journalism professor at the University of Kansas and co-author of "Reviving Rural News."

Major corporate funding for the PBS News Hour is provided by BDO, BNSF, Consumer Cellular, American Cruise Lines, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Consumer Cellular and Cunard Cruise Line. For a complete list of funders for the PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour weekend, click here.
Extras
Watch • 56:45
PBS News Hour
August 15, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 15, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
Episode: S2025 E227 | 56:45
Watch • 10:21
PBS News Hour
Brooks and Capehart on Trump's summit with Putin
Brooks and Capehart on Trump's summit with Putin
Clip: S2025 E227 | 10:21
Watch • 6:06
PBS News Hour
Ex-State Department official analyzes Trump-Putin summit
'Putin stuck to his guns': Former State Department official analyzes Trump-Putin summit
Clip: S2025 E227 | 6:06
Watch • 5:33
PBS News Hour
News Wrap: Abbott calls 2nd special session in Texas
News Wrap: Abbott calls 2nd second special session for new congressional maps in Texas
Clip: S2025 E227 | 5:33
Watch • 3:15
PBS News Hour
What Trump and Putin said – and didn't say – after meeting
What Trump and Putin said – and didn't say – after their meeting in Alaska
Clip: S2025 E227 | 3:15
Watch • 4:54
PBS News Hour
Trump, Putin meet with future of Ukraine hanging in balance
Trump meets Putin in Alaska with future of Ukraine war hanging in balance
Clip: S2025 E227 | 4:54
Watch • 8:17
PBS News Hour
Fight against TB stalls in Bangladesh as U.S. cuts aid
Fight against tuberculosis stalls in Bangladesh as U.S. cuts aid
Clip: S2025 E226 | 8:17
Watch • 7:44
PBS News Hour
Baltic nations working to fortify border with Russia
How Baltic nations are working to fortify their border with Russia
Clip: S2025 E226 | 7:44
Watch • 6:36
PBS News Hour
Trump's D.C. takeover escalates with surge in arrests
Trump's D.C. takeover escalates with surge in arrests and homeless encampments cleared
Clip: S2025 E226 | 6:36
Watch • 3:35
PBS News Hour
Smithsonian collects visitors' hopes for the next 50 years
Smithsonian exhibit collects visitors' hopes for the next 50 years
Clip: S2025 E226 | 3:35