Local news refers to the full collection of media outlets—newspapers, radio and TV stations and hyperlocal websites—that serve a geographically defined community. They tell its stories, inform citizens of critical information, and promote civic engagement. Local news is an essential lever in a healthy democracy, helping citizens understand what’s at stake in local elections and equipping them to vote, contact government officials and run for office. It also reduces political polarization, increases voter turnout and holds government accountable.
Americans value and trust local news more than national news. They say it helps them connect with their communities, and that it prioritizes local figures, events and cultural aspects that are more relatable to their daily lives than national news.
Despite these positive sentiments, local journalism faces challenges. Advertisers are shifting advertising dollars away from traditional media and toward social platforms, putting pressure on revenue streams. Combined with declining newspaper circulation, this can leave communities without adequate local news coverage—called “news deserts.” These deserts can be exacerbated by targeted disinformation campaigns that aim to spread misinformation under the guise of legitimate news organizations.
The decline of local news threatens people’s sense of connection to their community, and may make it harder for them to stay civically engaged. Keeping up with local news is a time-consuming and resource-intensive endeavor for most people, who often must balance work, family, and other obligations. When the readily available supply of quality local news dries up, this can be especially challenging for individuals with busy schedules.