Keep Our Local Local

How can arts writers defend and develop coverage of the local art scene in a corporate media environment which seems determined to relegate it to the sidelines?

What is the point of local publications that ignore the dense brilliance of our theatre, art, dance, comedy, and music scenes and instead publish gossip and movie and DVD reviews. You can read about the latest Drew Barrymore movie anywhere. What we need is expanded, comprehensive arts coverage by unflappable, compassionate, witty writers. We need to reinstate dance critics. We need to cover the best of all local artforms indiscriminately, from classical music to fashion shows.