Local news plays a critical role in American democracy. It promotes accountability and transparency by exposing government waste, mismanagement and corruption; helps citizens understand the impacts of policies on their lives; and provides essential information like weather alerts and school closings. It also connects communities by providing a voice for residents to share their views, perspectives and experiences, and supports local businesses that provide jobs.
But in recent years, Americans’ sources of local news have declined. Many have abandoned their daily newspaper, and those who still get local news mostly do so digitally via websites, apps or emails — with far fewer accessing local TV. And the large national media conglomerates that have bought up local news organizations and forced them to prioritize partisan, divisive content are further eroding trust in local journalism.
The decline of local news has significant ramifications for civic engagement. A readily available supply of quality, trustworthy local news is crucial for people balancing the demands of family, work and community. Without it, staying informed about community issues can be challenging for people who are already stretched thin by a demanding life.
The loss of local news erodes the ability to hold local leaders accountable and solve public problems. In fact, when asked to rank the effectiveness of different civic functions in their community, Americans say that local news outlets do a better job than social media and community-based apps at keeping them informed, amplifying positive stories in their community and holding local leaders accountable.