Dr. Ellington's work exhibits two important characteristics that make it particularly admirable. First, it has enormous academic value. It is meticulously researched, clearly organized, and makes a compelling case for the importance of local journalism. Second, in demonstrating the decline of local news and its relationship to democracy, it has clear practical value that the practitioner and casual reader can easily grasp.

Mark Milewicz, University of North Carolina, Pembroke

The importance of this book cannot be overstated. Democracy rests on a thriving journalistic community, and Government Without Newspapers deftly puts local governments and media ecosystems under a microscope in communities across the country. Through this sharp, revealing lens, Ellington illuminates broader threats to democracy, brought into focus through firsthand interviews in newsrooms.

Meredith Cummings, Lehigh University, USA

Thomas Ellington's work reveals government institutions operating with diminished scrutiny as local newspapers close and shrink. Ellington addresses a crucial gap in understanding the broader effects of newspaper decline on American civic and social life, particularly as reporters are laid off and communities across the country are left without trusted chroniclers and watchdogs. Democracy unfolds in school boards, county commissions, and city councils across America, making this a must-read for anyone concerned about the intertwined crises facing both public life and the news media.

Margot Susca, American University, USA