NEWS MATTERS

Cinemavixion Review

In 'News Matters,' director Brian Malone delivers a poignant and urgent documentary that dissects the critical state of American journalism through the lens of the Denver Post's fight for survival. Released in 2020, the film masterfully connects the alarming decline of local newspapers to the rise of misinformation and the erosion of public trust. Malone meticulously chronicles the desperate efforts of journalists, led by figures like Chuck Plunkett, to resist the predatory practices of hedge fund owners like Alden Global Capital, who are systematically dismantling venerable news organizations. The documentary serves as both a specific case study of the Denver Post's plight and a broader, sobering examination of the 'Fourth Estate's' vulnerability in the digital age. It highlights how the vacuum left by vanishing newspapers is filled by conspiracy theories and opinion-driven content, posing a direct threat to democratic discourse. 'News Matters' is a compelling call to action, reminding viewers of the indispensable role of a free and robust press in a healthy society.