Local news is the reporting of events, issues and stories that impact a specific community. This type of journalism plays a crucial role in informing residents about local government actions and community events, fostering a sense of connection among the audience. It also encourages civic participation by raising awareness about issues that affect citizens’ day-to-day lives.
The term “local news” may refer to a variety of media outlets including newspapers, radio stations, and TV channels. The latter often feature a dedicated local news section in addition to national and international news. Local news is most prevalent on television, where it is typically broadcast in a time slot devoted to local news coverage and can be seen on a channel dedicated to local news or on a sub-channel of a general network newscast.
While digital platforms have given rise to new forms of local news, some traditional local news outlets are struggling to maintain their audiences. Declining advertising revenues can result in staff cuts and reduced budgets, which ultimately limits their ability to cover all relevant local stories. In addition, competition from social media has created a challenge for local news organizations to incorporate digital strategies while maintaining journalistic integrity. This year’s State of Local News report serves as an MRI for the health of local news, providing journalists, media leaders, policy makers, and philanthropists with valuable data and context. This report also provides a roadmap for how to preserve and grow local news coverage.
