The internet has presented a financial disaster for journalists. But it has also put them in greater physical danger. Historically, dictators and thugs have needed journalists to get their (often false) messages out. Social media provided a direct line for that messaging, so murdering journalists became an option. That’s one factor that led to the increase in journalist deaths. TNR’s Joel Simon provides another: “There is no single explanation for why journalists are being killed and imprisoned. But the disappointing response of the United States government to these crimes—its abrogation of its traditional role as model for a free press—helps explain why the perpetrators are acting with such impunity.” That is exactly right. Why Were So Many Journalists Murdered in 2018?

+ “Their congressman is running ads against them. They’re worried about the future of journalism and the future of their jobs. They’ve got a bunch of yellow safety vests hanging in the newsroom for covering wildfires. They’re trying to write about water and food and transit and politics: all the things that will ultimately determine the fate of the state. How do they do it?” The big media players have weathered the anti-media storm pretty well (our obsession with Trump news has helped the bottom line). Local journalism, vitally important and already on the ropes, has a much tougher time. GQ: The Fresno Bee and the War on Local News.