Is ‘Mainstream Media’ Still a Thing? Press Freedom and AI with Clayton Weimers of RSF USA
In this episode of Back in America, I sit down with Clayton Weimers, Executive Director of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) USA, to talk about the state of press freedom in America and beyond. From the decline of local journalism to the rise of AI in newsrooms, we explore the paradox of living in an age of information abundance while losing access to trustworthy reporting.
Clayton explains why the U.S. now ranks 57th out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index, how economic pressures are creating “news deserts” across the nation, and why trust in journalism continues to erode. We also discuss the role of citizen journalism, podcasts, and independent newsletters in reshaping the media landscape.
The conversation touches on broader themes that Back in America often explores: the fight against disinformation, the legacy of democratic ideals, and the tension between freedom of expression and corporate or political power.
World Press Freedom Index 2025: over half the world's population in red zones
https://rsf.org/en/world-press-freedom-index-2025-over-half-worlds-population-red-zones
Americans remain concerned about press freedoms, but partisan views have flipped since 2024
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/04/24/americans-remain-concerned-about-press-freedoms-but-partisan-views-have-flipped-since-2024/
Revitalizing America’s News Deserts
https://progressive.org/magazine/revitalizing-americas-news-deserts-pickard/
Clayton explains why the U.S. now ranks 57th out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index, how economic pressures are creating “news deserts” across the nation, and why trust in journalism continues to erode. We also discuss the role of citizen journalism, podcasts, and independent newsletters in reshaping the media landscape.
The conversation touches on broader themes that Back in America often explores: the fight against disinformation, the legacy of democratic ideals, and the tension between freedom of expression and corporate or political power.
World Press Freedom Index 2025: over half the world's population in red zones
https://rsf.org/en/world-press-freedom-index-2025-over-half-worlds-population-red-zones
Americans remain concerned about press freedoms, but partisan views have flipped since 2024
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/04/24/americans-remain-concerned-about-press-freedoms-but-partisan-views-have-flipped-since-2024/
Revitalizing America’s News Deserts
https://progressive.org/magazine/revitalizing-americas-news-deserts-pickard/
