WRAL Documentary Explores Communities Losing Access to Trusted Local Journalism

As newsrooms shrink, media companies consolidate, and communities lose access to trusted local information, a new WRAL documentary explores what is at stake for North Carolina.

“Left Uncovered: Inside North Carolina’s News Deserts,” produced by Cristin Severance, WRAL Documentary Investigative Reporter and photojournalist Dwayne Myers, the documentary examines the changing landscape of local journalism and the impact on communities across the state.

From small-town newspapers to local television and public media, the documentary explores how the industry is evolving and what happens when fewer journalists are left to cover local issues.

“Of course, this is personal for us as journalists,” Severance said. “We wanted viewers to understand what’s at stake when local news disappears: access to reliable information, accountability for those in power, and the role a free press plays in our democracy.”

The documentary also highlights the people working to save local journalism, including independent publishers, broadcasters, and community leaders searching for new ways to keep local news alive.

“Left Uncovered: Inside North Carolina’s News Deserts,” premieres Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. on WRAL-TV and streams live on all WRAL platforms (WRAL.com, the WRAL News app, and WRAL’s YouTube channel).

The documentary airs again for WRAL-TV viewers on Saturday, June 13 at 1:30 p.m. and for WRAZ (FOX 50) viewers on Sunday, June 14 at 6:30 p.m.

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