In this episode, we examine how the absence of local news affects political polarization, civic engagement, and community identity. 
First, scholars John Volk and Joshua Darr join The Hot Dish to discuss the emergence and consequences of News Deserts across the United States. 

Then, journalist Brandon Tensley and Joel engage in a compelling conversation on the importance of local news to communities of color across America.

Listen to learn more about how this phenomenon shapes information access, democratic participation, and the broader political landscape, proving the media's pivotal role in shaping public discourse.

Heidi and Joel delve into the shift away from local media sources and the consequential impact on the social fabric of middle America. They provide listeners with a practical roadmap for actively engaging with local politics and media by highlighting the importance of reviving local journalism, offering ways communities can rebuild their media ecosystems, and exploring how doing so will improve democratic engagement and reduce polarization.

Join us on The Hot Dish every other week, where we serve up hearty conversations that resonate with every corner of the country.

The Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project, making sure the voices of the rest of us are heard in Washington. To learn more, visit https://onecountryproject.org or find us on Substack at https://onecountryproject.substack.com/.

• (05:09) - Joel and Heidi discuss the difficulties of confronting misinformation in News Deserts