Local news is journalism about events, issues and activities that directly affect a specific geographic area and play a critical role in fostering community connection. It is typically disseminated through a variety of mediums, including print newspapers and radio stations as well as local television broadcasts.
When local news organizations are able to deliver quality coverage that is informed by communities’ perspectives and meets their critical information needs, citizens are better equipped to participate in civic life. But as news consumption habits evolve, these outlets need viable revenue streams and strategies for reaching audiences to continue telling their essential stories.
Across the country, local newsrooms are tackling a range of topics that impact their communities and the people who live in them. This selection of 13 local stories that made a difference in 2019 highlights how they are using solutions journalism, restorative narratives and collaborative reporting to create lasting impacts in their areas. The projects also demonstrate how partnerships between smaller newsrooms and larger ones (like ProPublica’s Local Reporting Network), and collaborations with local stakeholders and reporting partners can boost the reach and impact of a story.
Traditionally, the term “local media” referred to commercial print newspapers, radio and TV outlets that served a specific geographic market. However, in recent years, the industry has experienced significant consolidation, allowing large media conglomerates to own and operate multiple local news outlets within the same markets. As a result, many local newsrooms have limited resources and may be forced to cut back on their coverage of important community issues.
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