While the national conversation often equates the disappearance of local news with “news deserts,” the health of local news ecosystems is more complex. Hundreds of small newspapers have closed, and even those that remain are often struggling to survive. In rural areas, the loss of a weekly newspaper leaves townships without an established source of locally-sourced information. And the shriveling of local news can leave communities largely uninformed, leaving them vulnerable to disinformation and propaganda campaigns.
In addition to newspapers, nonprofit community news organizations, local TV stations and digital-only start-ups play an important role in filling the local information gap. These local news outlets can engage audiences with civic engagement, including direct and ongoing outreach to their communities. They also can employ alternative reporting approaches such as solutions journalism and restorative narratives to promote civic dialogue and build trust with their audiences.
People need locally produced, trusted news more than ever before. In a time when people have trouble finding the time to participate in civic life — balancing busy personal and professional lives with the constant distractions of social media and misinformation — a readily available supply of quality, trusted local news is crucial to their sense of connection to and ownership of their community.
The most common sources of local news are newspapers, television and radio. When it comes to the most critical daily news topics — weather, traffic and sports — large majorities of Americans say they follow those stories and are highly satisfied with their news coverage. However, when it comes to civic news about government and crime, people are less likely to say they get local news, and fewer report being very satisfied with the quality of their local news.