Local news focuses on issues that impact people within a specific geographic area. It fosters community identity by reflecting residents’ values and culture, while informing citizens about local events, government decisions and public services. These stories also promote civic engagement by providing a forum for discussion and debate.
Local newspapers often cover larger markets than broadcast television stations, but their audiences are narrower and more locally focused. Many local newspaper publishers use alternative reporting approaches, such as solutions journalism and restorative narratives, to engage readers in meaningful ways. These stories can spark new conversations about important issues, inspire community action and create a sense of connection between the journalist and the reader.
Despite the challenges in the industry, local news remains vitally important to Americans. More than half of Americans say they frequently consume local news. Local news topics range from useful daily information like traffic and weather to civic information about local politics and crime, as well as cultural news about sports and arts. Local news is most valued for its role in informing citizens about government actions and decisions that affect their daily lives.
When a local newspaper in Williamstown, Massachusetts shuttered its northern Berkshires bureau in 2021, leaving the town a verifiable “news desert,” the college’s student newspaper stepped in to fill the void. Now, the paper’s town news section consistently brings in more article clicks than any other section. Its success shows that with a dedicated staff and a strong community partner, local journalism can thrive.
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