Big News in Washington, but Far Fewer Cover It

Coverage Type: 

Cox Newspapers, Advance Publications, and Copley Press are all closing their Washington (DC) bureaus. Those that remain have cut back drastically on Washington coverage, eliminating hundreds of journalists' jobs at a time when the federal government — and journalistic oversight of it — matters more than ever. Television and radio operations in Washington are shrinking, too, although not as sharply. The times may be news-rich, but newspapers are cash-poor, facing their direst financial straits since the Depression. Racing to cut costs as they lose revenue, most have decided that their future lies in local news, not national or international events. That has put a bull's-eye on expensive Washington bureaus. "I think the cop is leaving the beat here, and I think it's a terrible loss for citizens," said Andy Alexander, the Cox bureau chief, who is retiring.


Big News in Washington, but Far Fewer Cover It