What Happens When Local Journalism Disappears — and Who Pays the Price

Local newsrooms are vanishing across the country — and the consequences reach far beyond headlines. This episode explores what’s driving the collapse of local journalism and why it matters to anyone who cares about their community.What happens to democracy when local journalism disappears? Oscar-nominated filmmaker Rick Goldsmith joins us to explain how vulture capital and private equity are accelerating the collapse of local journalism — and what it will take to save American news. Award-winning documentary filmmaker Rick Goldsmith joins This Must Be the Place to discuss the power of documentary film in an era of collapsing local news, media consolidation, and growing distrust in journalism.Goldsmith is a two-time Academy Award nominee and the director of Stripped for Parts: American Journalism on the Brink, a searing investigation into how hedge funds and corporate ownership are hollowing out America’s local newsrooms—and what it means for democracy.With a career spanning nearly 50 years, Rick reflects on his path from architecture, music, and community activism into documentary filmmaking, and why long-form storytelling still matters in a world of shrinking attention spans and polarized media.🎬 In this episode, we explore:Why documentary films play a critical role when journalism falls shortHow Stripped for Parts exposes the corporate stripping of local newspapersThe real-world consequences of losing local news coverageWhat filmmakers can do to balance artistry, research, and truthWhy stories about people who “speak truth to power” endureLessons from Goldsmith’s Oscar-nominated films on press freedomWhether there’s hope — or pessimism — for the future of journalismHow audiences can actively support local news and independent mediaRick also shares behind-the-scenes insight into the challenges of funding, distributing, and sustaining socially engaged documentaries — and what he’s considering next, including podcasting as a storytelling medium.🎟️ Local Screening & Panel Discussion Stripped for Parts screens Sunday, January 11 (1:30–4:30 PM) at the Ner Shalom Synagogue in Cotati, followed by a panel with local journalists Carl Molesworth, Laura Hagar Rush, and Troy Niday.🎥 About Rick Goldsmith Goldsmith’s acclaimed work includes Tell the Truth and Run: George Seldes and the American Press and The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers, both examining journalism, dissent, and democracy. He is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and a leading voice in socially engaged filmmaking.This episode is essential listening for anyone concerned about the future of local news, press freedom, and how stories shape democracy.🍺 Beer ReviewTo close the episode, the Craft Beer Concierge kicks off the new year with a tasting of Best Day Brewing Co.’s Non-Alcoholic West Coast IPA, exploring the rise of Dry January and how far NA beer has come. Brewed with classic Cascade hops, the beer delivers familiar IPA bitterness with a lighter body and slightly sweeter profile, offering a flavorful option for listeners looking to moderate without giving up the ritual.Featured Guest:Rick GoldsmithResources Mentioned:Stripped for PartsPBSThe Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon PapersTell the Truth and Run: George Seldes and the American PressFeatured Beer:Best Day Brewing Co.’s Non-Alcoholic West Coast IPA