From gold to coal: Examining the long-term effects of living in California’s largest and oldest news desert

In 1848, Sutter County played a pivotal role in California’s Gold Rush, driving migration and regional transformation. Today, it is the epicenter of the state’s largest news desert. This case study uses mixed-methods research to assess the impact of a 39-year absence of local journalism on community identity, civic participation and quality of life. It provides important insights into how the lack of local news can affect both community dynamics and civic engagement over time.