Local news focuses on events, issues, and activities that affect a specific geographic area. It plays a critical role in building community identity by covering stories that resonate with residents, reflecting their culture and concerns. By keeping citizens informed about local government decisions and public services, it encourages civic engagement and participation.
The vast majority of local news is produced by commercial broadcasting stations that are affiliated with national television networks. They may produce their own standalone local newscasts or short segments that air attached to national network morning newscasts. Most of these stations’ audiences live within the geographic boundaries of their designated media markets (DMAs), which are based on population and physical reach of their broadcast signal. In some cases, media conglomerates own multiple local television and radio stations within the same DMA.
Most Americans who get local news say they are highly satisfied with the quality of the reporting they receive. Those who consume local weather news are the most satisfied, followed by those who follow local traffic and sports news. About four-in-ten adults who follow news about the local economy and politics and those with young children also report being very satisfied with the quality of their local news.
Increasingly, local news organizations are finding new ways to thrive in the modern media environment. They are leveraging innovative technologies, diversifying revenue streams, and strengthening their connections with communities. They are redefining the meaning of success to ensure long-term sustainability, resilience, and innovation.