Local news – in the form of newspapers, radio, TV and hyperlocal websites – is a critical part of the media ecosystem. It informs residents of important issues that affect their community and encourages them to engage in civic activities. It also serves as a watchdog for government actions and decisions at the local level, holding officials accountable and shaping public perception.
While the decline of local commercial newsrooms has been a major challenge for many communities, a growing number of nonprofit ventures and legacy outlets have developed viable business models for supporting quality journalism in local markets. These models, along with innovative strategies, are helping to ensure that local news continues to serve its core mission and contribute to the health of our democracy.
In the United States, local news can be found on public radio stations (most notably NPR and PRI), independent television broadcasters like cable channels and the local affiliates of network television stations, as well as online publications and hyperlocal news sites. In addition to producing their own news content, these organizations frequently partner with other local media and community groups in a range of reporting projects.
A majority of Americans say they get at least some of their local news from a variety of sources. Most say they are highly satisfied with the local weather news they receive, and nearly four in ten indicate that they are highly satisfied with the local sports and school news they get.