Media consolidation threatens Humboldt news and local theaters

Media critic Eric Deggans laid out five predictions for 2026 that paint a bleaker year ahead for both journalism and the entertainment industries, and the effects could be felt here in Humboldt County. Deggans highlights a tug-of-war among major players such as Netflix, Paramount, and Warner Bros. Discovery, warns that consolidation of ownership will accelerate, and flags rising political pressure and economic strain that together could shrink newsroom capacity and weaken independent cultural venues.

At the top of the list is consolidation. When streaming platforms and legacy studios jockey for scale and content control, the result is fewer owners deciding which stories and films reach audiences. That concentration can reduce bargaining power for creators and cut the number of outlets commissioning original work. For Humboldt this matters because fewer national outlets and condensed distribution channels mean less attention and fewer resources for regional stories and for independent filmmakers who rely on local screening venues.

Deggans also points to political pressure on newsrooms as a growing danger. As ownership changes hands, editorial priorities can shift and coverage of contentious local issues may be narrowed or curtailed. Humboldt County, with roughly 135,000 residents dispersed across rural communities, depends on a small cluster of local newsrooms and public media to hold local institutions to account. Lost reporting capacity would make it harder to track local government decisions, wildfire recovery spending, housing developments, and public health trends.

Economic stress across the entertainment chain is another prediction. The ripple effects include more precarious wages for writers, technicians, and independent creators, and tougher times for movie theaters that depend on a mix of studio releases and indie films. Humboldt theaters such as the Arcata venues and other small houses, which already operate on thin margins, could face reduced bookings and smaller audiences if studios favor consolidated distribution or premium streaming windows over theatrical releases.

Deggans argues the public has agency through viewing choices and subscriptions. Local residents can blunt some of these trends by supporting independent outlets directly: subscribing, donating, buying tickets to community screenings, and prioritizing independent and local reporting in their media diets. Civic engagement also matters in another way. Antitrust scrutiny, public funding for local journalism, and policies supporting nonprofit news models can influence whether consolidation harms public-interest coverage.

For Humboldt readers the immediate implication is straightforward. When national markets tilt toward fewer owners and tighter budgets, the local news beat and cultural scene are often the first to feel the squeeze. That reduces the flow of information residents rely on for voting, emergency response, and civic life.

The takeaway? Back the local press and show up for community culture — subscribe, donate, attend screenings, and tell county leaders that independent news and local theaters are worth protecting. Our two cents? Small actions here can keep Humboldt’s reporting and creative spaces alive when industry tides turn.