A readily available supply of quality local news can be critical for people’s sense of community connection and civic engagement. But as local news outlets shrink and people turn away from journalism, it can be difficult for them to stay informed on the local issues they care about.
Local news refers to the reporting of events, activities, and issues that directly impact a particular community or geographic area. It can be contrasted with national journalism, which has a broader reach and often involves working on high-profile stories of global importance.
Research shows that a healthy local news ecosystem can support democratic participation by keeping citizens informed about their communities, fostering a sense of belonging and identity, and addressing local concerns. While many discussions of the health of local news focus on saving traditional newspapers, there are other important components to a strong local news ecosystem: public radio, television, digital-only start-ups, and community organizations that report on their own behalf.
Local news can also put national issues in a more relatable context. For example, when the obstetrics residency program at your local hospital is threatened by federal funding cuts, knowing how it impacts your community can help you better understand how it could affect your own family. In addition, a local news story can provide you with the information and motivation to get involved on your own.