Question

from “Local Journalism Is on Its Knees – Endangering Democracy. Who Will Save It?”
“Studies have shown us some interesting things. For example, municipal borrowing costs go up when local news declines. Why? Because the watchdog isn’t there – and so, local government becomes less efficient and more prone to corruption or at least wasteful spending,” Sullivan said . . .

. . . “When Americans are told day after day that reporters are dishonest, that they are ‘scum’ or ‘the enemy of the people’, it has an effect. It turns people against the press. And at least some people will react by walking away from traditional news sources.

“Of course, the converse is also true – many people have decided they need trustworthy news sources more than ever. So it’s a mixture, and I think we need some time to pass before we figure out what the real effects have been.”



Excerpt from The Guardian

Use the passage to answer the question.

What reason does the author give to convince the reader that their claim is believable?

(1 point)

The author states that local news is declining because people prefer social media for its convenience.

The author says that studies suggest that local governments become less efficient and more corrupt when local news declines.

The author claims the decline of local news does not affect communities because national news covers important local issues.

The author believes the decline of local news is temporary and will improve as people see the need for trustworthy journalism.

Answer 1

The author says that studies suggest that local governments become less efficient and more corrupt when local news declines.