Despite its decline in recent years, local news remains an essential component of our democratic system. Research shows it helps people understand what’s at stake in local elections, equips them to take action by voting and contacting elected officials, and promotes civic engagement by reducing political polarization. It’s also a key source of information on important local issues, such as traffic alerts and school closures.
When it comes to sustaining their news organizations, local journalists often turn to ad revenue and subscriptions. But those revenue streams are not enough to cover the cost of reporting, editing and production. And even though the journalism industry as a whole is in freefall, local news has been hit harder than most. Many newspaper chains have closed; others have cut editorial staffs significantly to stay afloat. And while online content has exploded, it’s not been enough to replace the losses in traditional print outlets.
Historically, most local news came from newspapers and broadcast stations that had local affiliates. In teeny towns, that might mean daily newspapers with articles about who was threshing or who got the flu; in bigger cities it might be city papers covering county government. But these days, the main sources of local news are community-based websites and social media.
These small, leaner news organizations are focusing on the basics of what makes local news valuable. They are promoting accountability and transparency, providing essential information and supporting local businesses. And year after year, survey respondents say they trust these outlets more than national or international ones.
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