Final answer:
Local community issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic and water supply problems have been significant in recent years, highlighted by a mix of traditional news outlets and digital platforms, as well as citizen journalism. The decrease in traditional newspaper visibility has been partly offset by digital news sources and individual reports on critical events.
Step-by-step explanation:
Keeping abreast of local issues is crucial for understanding the dynamics and concerns within a community. Many recent examples come to mind when considering the challenges that have faced communities between 2019 and 2021. An issue of note includes the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused widespread disruption and led to numerous debates about safety measures, instructional quality, and mental health concerns across school districts and among families. Additionally, the problem of water supply and water problems emerged prominently, often highlighting unforeseen challenges that relate to environmental management and sustainability within communities.
The role of traditional newspapers in reporting on these matters has decreased due to a decline in advertising revenue, leading to a shift towards digital platforms like AOL's Patch.com for community news. Similarly, the rise of citizen journalism on platforms such as CNN's "iReport" has democratized the flow of information, allowing individuals to report on local events and responses to crises.
Examples of impactful citizen-reported events include natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina and the Virginia Tech massacre, which both emphasized the importance of effective authority responses. The fatal police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson also underscores the crucial role media plays in covering incidents that spark national discourse.