The local news industry is facing a host of challenges. Advertising revenues have plummeted, and private equity has gutted many once-profitable companies. The number of communities with no local news source or with a single surviving news outlet—often a weekly newspaper—has increased dramatically. These are the so-called “news deserts” where residents lack access to critical information that nurtures grassroots democracy and fosters social cohesion.
While there has been renewed attention to the needs of local news in recent years, there is still much research that could provide philanthropists and policymakers with insights about how to support these struggling enterprises. For example, more studies are needed on how to measure local news coverage and the civic functions that it fulfills. Studies are also needed on the economic viability of both for-profit and nonprofit local news operations. And there is a need for more research on the impact of technology changes on local news.
There are several possible solutions to the challenges that confront local news. Some of these involve increasing audience participation by enabling users to share their own stories and photos with news outlets. Others involve introducing features that foster community spirit by bringing people together and facilitating collaboration. Finally, there are technological solutions that can help reduce the cost of operating a local news operation. For example, investing in high-speed broadband would greatly reduce the time and cost of sending files from local news sites to distant readers.