The financial siege faced by many local news organizations is forcing them to focus on their core strengths. In addition to addressing fundamental business concerns, they are also testing new journalism approaches that may attract new readers. Some of these approaches, including solutions journalism and restorative narratives, are being pioneered by independent local media enterprises that are leaner and more focused than traditional newspapers. These enterprises are experimenting with other ways to distinguish themselves from the competition and attract new sources of revenue, such as sponsorships, subscriptions and crowdfunding.
Americans say local news outlets do a good job of keeping them informed, holding leaders accountable and amplifying stories in their communities. They also do better than national news outlets at providing relevant and specific information about community problems and issues, which can be difficult to find in a generalized national report (for example, “unemployment is down nationwide”).
In 2024, just over half of those who get local news from daily newspapers do so in print, but more than two-thirds get it digitally via website, app or email. Similarly, the share who gets local news from local TV stations has dropped since 2018, but a majority still do so in some digital way. Most people who get local news also turn to community-based forums, such as Facebook groups and the Nextdoor app, for information about their area. These forums provide a forum for discussion of community concerns and offer a way for citizens to connect with each other and their public institutions. They can stimulate growth of knowledge, enhance civic attitudes and increase citizen engagement in public life.
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