Local news is any media—be it a newspaper, radio or television program—that serves a specific geographic region. It can be about community issues, government, schools, crime, or sports. In a world of declining advertising revenues, local news outlets have struggled to survive and even thrive. But some are finding strategies that allow them to tell important stories while reaching new audiences.
Local reporting often prioritizes stories with local characters or events, which makes them more relatable for viewers compared to national or international news. This can make it easier for people to connect with the story and take action. It can also help local communities identify and articulate their concerns.
In the city of Charlotte, North Carolina, the local newsrooms of the Charlotte Journalism Collaborative have focused on covering the local impact of climate change. The result has been that lawmakers and advocacy groups are paying more attention to the issue, says Patti Epler, the co-founder of the nonprofit newsroom.
When the local newspaper in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, was facing closure in 2021, it came up with a clever strategy to continue its work: It would partner with nearby Grady College to provide journalism students as editors for the paper. This has turned out to be a great way to engage the public while ensuring that the Oglethorpe Echo continues its long history of local news.
Local news is a vital source of information for communities around the world. But local media organizations are facing increased financial pressures and competition from social platforms. To survive and thrive, they need to be able to adapt their business models to meet these challenges while maintaining journalistic integrity.
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