Local news has long been a vital part of American communities, but it is increasingly endangered. Since 2018, more than 1,800 communities have lost their local newspaper, and many of the remaining ones are served by newsrooms half the size they were 20 years ago. The future of local news will depend on strategies that build and sustain community engagement, as well as new business models for this form of journalism.
Americans continue to believe that local news matters, though they may follow it less closely than in the past. More than three-quarters of Americans say local news is extremely or very important, but those figures have fallen for younger adults. This trend may be driven by a perception that local news is less relevant to their lives, or it could be a sign of broader waning interest in politics and civic life.
Many Americans get their local news online, and more of them are highly satisfied with the quality of the information they receive. While most get local news on TV, online forums (such as Facebook groups and the Nextdoor app) are growing in popularity. While most of these sites provide general information, a few have become known for their politically conservative propaganda.
Local news organizations are exploring new ways to raise money for their work, and there are some signs of success. For example, the nonprofit digital news organization Lookout Santa Cruz won a Pulitzer for “detailed and nimble coverage” of flooding and mudslides. Another successful strategy is to collaborate with other newsrooms or nontraditional sources (such as universities) to tell complex, in-depth stories over a longer time frame.