Whether it’s covering the latest developments in the fight against climate change or recounting a local politician’s past scandal, a strong supply of local news plays an important role in shaping communities. Yet research shows that many communities have experienced a significant decline in the number of local news outlets. For years, our State of Local News project has served as an MRI of the health of local news ecosystems, diagnosing problems and showing how they can be addressed. This year, our ambition grew: what if we could use predictive modeling to help prevent the loss of local news?
Local news prioritizes stories that resonate with residents and reflect their values, culture, and concerns. By informing citizens about government decisions, local events, and public services, it encourages civic participation and engagement. It’s also critical for building community identity, addressing local concerns, and holding leaders accountable.
Although the term “news desert” often refers to the disappearance of newspapers, it’s important to note that the health of local news ecosystems is more complex than the number of papers in a town. Local radio, public television stations, digital-only start-ups, and social media can all be vital sources of local news, and they play a crucial part in connecting communities with the information they need. This year, we looked at how these local news platforms are adapting to the challenges they face while demonstrating a commitment to their mission. We chose 13 examples of innovative strategies that may be able to help local newsrooms not only survive but thrive.