The State of Local News 2024 report produced by the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University highlights the ongoing crisis in local news across the United States. Despite some positive developments, the overall trend remains concerning, with an average of two newspapers closing each week.
Since 2005, the country has lost more than a quarter of its newspapers. In 2023 alone, more than 130 newspapers ceased operations.
The report identifies 204 counties without a local newspaper, and 1,562 counties with only one newspaper, typically a weekly publication. This leaves over half of all U.S. counties with limited access to local news.
While there has been growth in digital-only local news sites, with more than 550 sites launched since 2019, these efforts have not fully offset the loss of traditional newspapers.
The financial struggles of local news outlets persist, with advertising revenue continuing to decline. This has led to further job losses in newsrooms.
The report emphasizes the crucial role of local news in supporting democracy and community engagement. The decline in local news coverage is linked to decreased voter participation and increased political polarization.
Despite the challenges, the report notes some encouraging trends:
– Increased philanthropic support for local news initiatives
– Growing public awareness of the importance of local journalism
– Emergence of new business models and collaborations in the local news ecosystem
The report concludes by stressing the urgent need for action to address the local news crisis and its implications for the health of local communities and American democracy.