Web — what are the implications of these changes for the information voters are exposed to and for their political choices? We study these questions using the staggered introduction of craigslist—the world’s largest online platform for classified advertising — across us counties between 1995 and 2009. The impact of craigslist on local newspapers. Webthe impact of online competition on local newspapers: Evidence from the introduction of craigslist∗. How does competition from online platforms affect the organization, performance, and editorial choices of newspapers? Webcraigslistoc exposed the craigslist economy and its impact on local businesses. This platform, a digital classifieds website, has fundamentally transformed the way people engage with their local communities. We exploit temporal and geographic variation in craigslist’s Webwe find that, following the entry of craigslist, local papers experienced a significant decline in the number of newsroom and management staff. Cuts in editorial staff disproportionately affected editors covering politics. On the subscriber side, these newspapers experience an increase in subscription prices, a decrease in circulation, and an increase in differentiation from each other.
