In recent years, local news has faced a host of challenges. Circulation and advertising revenue have dipped for many newspapers, and hundreds of papers have shut down entirely. In the face of these financial woes, a variety of innovative new models have emerged.
One example is the Oglethorpe Echo in Georgia, which partnered with nearby Grady College to have journalism students serve as its editors. The paper has won several local and state awards, including the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting. Another local innovation is “solutions journalism,” in which journalists use interviews and data to highlight positive trends in a community, such as reducing crime or improving economic development. This type of journalism can be particularly effective in reaching audiences that have been turned off by traditional narratives of their local problems, such as soaring drug addiction rates or high crime rate.
Americans’ overall views of local news remain generally positive. About seven in ten say that local news organizations do a good job of informing the public about important local issues and events, and many see these outlets as being trustworthy and providing useful information. Those who are highly attached to their community are especially positive about the work of their local news organizations. However, a quarter of adults cite concerns about the quality of local news and about how well their local media is keeping an eye on local political leaders. These findings highlight the need for ongoing discussion about how communities can obtain the news and connections they need.