End of an Era: Associated Press’ Last Vermont Reporter Departs
In a significant development that marks the end of an era for Vermont’s news landscape, Lisa Rathke, the last remaining Associated Press reporter focused on the state, has announced her departure. Rathke, who has been with the AP since 1998, revealed in an email to colleagues in local media and politics that she will be taking voluntary early retirement effective January 3rd. While she mentioned that this retirement is not permanent and she plans to take a few months to figure out her next steps, Rathke’s departure signifies a significant shift for the state’s news coverage.
Shift in Vermont’s Media Landscape
Over the years, close observers of Vermont media have witnessed the gradual decline of the AP’s presence in the state. Once boasting a staff of a dozen people working in Montpelier, the AP has undergone significant downsizing, with Rathke being the sole reporter dedicated to Vermont until her impending departure. The news cooperative recently announced plans to reduce its staff by about 8%, signaling a shift towards becoming a digital-first organization.
Impact on Local Journalism
Chris Graff, the former chief of the state’s AP bureau, highlighted the historical significance of this moment, noting that the AP’s presence in Vermont has steadily decreased over the years. With the rise of digital media and the decline of local newspapers, the AP’s coverage has also shifted away from solely focusing on local stories, now catering to a broader regional and national audience.
Looking Towards the Future
As the AP prepares to fill Rathke’s role with a temporary video journalist position, the departure of the last Vermont reporter raises questions about the future of local journalism in the state. With fewer working journalists than in previous decades, the media landscape in Vermont is undergoing a transformation that could have lasting implications for how news is reported and consumed in the state and beyond.
