Across the United States, local news is produced by almost 8,000 outlets. More than half of those are newspapers, which can range from weekly to daily editions and may have print or digital formats. The remainder of local news outlets are TV stations and other broadcasters, as well as online sites.
Local news is a vital part of American life. It informs communities about important issues and helps citizens participate in democracy. Moreover, it connects citizens with local elected officials and community organizations that can help them address problems.
The local news ecosystem is undergoing significant change. Employment in local news has declined dramatically since 2005, and many newspaper companies have closed or merged. While the decline is largely driven by economic factors, it is exacerbated by changing consumer demand and the consolidation of large media companies.
In addition to reducing workforces, these changes have led to diminished coverage of some communities. These geographic areas, which are called “news deserts,” are more likely to be poorer and have lower rates of education. The lack of local news can also contribute to social and economic isolation, which has been linked to higher levels of health risk behaviors.
In the past year, encouraging signs have emerged as philanthropy and policymakers increase their support for local news. For example, in 2024, New York lawmakers included a credit for local journalism in their state budget. And a philanthropy focused on supporting local news, Press Forward, has begun distributing grants from its pooled fund.