The role private equity firms play in newspaper industry layoffs

The news industry got off to a brutal start in 2024 with hundreds of layoffs. And the trend has not let up — nor is it surprising given the last couple of decades.

If you read a local newspaper, chances are you've seen it get smaller over the years, with fewer pages and fewer local reporters filling the pages that are left.

In her book, "Hedged: How Private Investment Funds Helped Destroy American Newspapers and Undermine Democracy" author Margot Susca writes that these changes have been part of a new era of journalism — an era she says needs to end.