When it comes to their community, most Americans say local news is important and they think that local media are doing a good job of holding government leaders accountable and keeping the public informed. In a time of declining trust in institutions and the further fracturing of shared reality, that’s encouraging news.
But in many communities, local news outlets are struggling to stay financially viable. The number of local newspapers has dropped by more than half in the past 25 years. More than half of those that have been able to stay profitable in the digital age do so by focusing on specific niches such as education, transportation or housing. Many are experimenting with alternative reporting approaches — like solutions journalism or restorative narratives — and some have been recognized for their work by national awards programs.
Despite these challenges, most local news consumers believe that their local TV and online news outlets are doing well financially. They also think that their local news sources do a better job of reporting on the most important issues in their community than national news organizations do. In addition, about three-in-ten Americans say they believe that local journalists should advocate for change in their community.
But for every local news startup or innovative news organization that develops a new business model, there are communities that have lost their newspaper altogether. Some of these towns – especially smaller, rural and less wealthy ones — have never had a local newspaper to begin with. And others are now watching as their local news ecosystem collapses under the weight of declining audiences, advertising revenue and the relentless expansion of digital platforms.