Local news is the heartbeat of democracy, so why is it disappearing from many communities around the nation? Media consolidation isn't widely covered by the mainstream press, but potential changes being considered to the rules governing the nation's big media companies could have far reaching effects on democracy.

Bill Moyers Journal devotes an hour to this important issue with a report on the disappearance of local news and community radio and in-depth interviews with journalist Rick Karr, media activist Hannah Sassaman, and FCC Commissioner Michael Copps.

The program airs Friday, August 24 at 9 p.m. on PBS.

To watch online visit: http://wwww.pbs.org/moyers

Check your local listings at:
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/about/airdates.html