There is a mass of media attention on this but if you look closely all the articles are focused in several specific publications (such as the Wall Street Journal) and are actually paid content by the Regional Airlines Association actively lobbying Congress and trying to sway public opinion with these fake articles. Their goal is to overturn the regulations or get Government subsidies to pay for their failing business model.
The second poster is absolutely right. There is no pilot shortage as described. The shortage is a Government regulated shortage of under qualified pilots coming in at less than minimum wage. There are plenty of experienced professionals willing to fly these advanced design regional jets for a reasonable salary. We just aren't willing to do it for free or for less money than we can make bar tending or part time (or something else).
The industry used to be self regulating but it was getting out of hand and the Government needed to step in and raise the minimum requirements to stop the abuse.
Hopefully all those currently flying for low paying regional airlines and who have built some decent flight time by now will be able to get out and find decent paying jobs very quickly and force these companies to either change their business model or get out.
Please note that some regional airlines are paying and treating their pilots a bit better than others but I don't know of anybody who is competitive with the larger airlines even with experienced captains flying modern sophisticated jet airliners with around 70 or more seats.
The huge irony is that the Regional Airlines Association is arguing that increasing the minimum requirements for pilots will compromise safety by forcing them to lower their standards...HAHA!!!
Whenever a friend or family member shows you one of these articles... be sure to point out the BS and tell them the truth. The only way to fight fake media is with the truth.