Local news is key to civic health, equipping communities to engage with their political system, reducing polarization, increasing voter turnout and holding local officials accountable. It can even help boost economic development by building buy-in to sustainable business models, connecting people with each other and driving innovation. But the number of local news outlets is declining, resulting in “news deserts” where residents do not have access to relevant, trustworthy information about their community.
The majority of local news in the United States is produced on television. It may be a standalone newscast or short segments attached to national network morning newscasts. In addition, many cable channels have a dedicated local news division.
Local TV newscasts in the United States can be seen on independent stations, owned by local companies and affiliated with national networks. In this case, the station’s branding and graphics usually differ from those of the network, but the stations can superimpose on-screen news tickers and digital clocks from the networks.
Across the United States, the decline of local news has a significant impact on people’s ability to stay informed about their community and to participate in civic life. Fortunately, innovative, collaborative journalism and new business models are helping to fill the gaps left by declining local news outlets. This roundup features examples of collaborative reporting, community engagement and national-local partnerships that showcase the value of local news. If you’re interested in supporting local journalism, please consider donating to your favorite newsroom through NewsMatch.