The local news landscape in America is undergoing significant changes as both consumers and producers adapt to a more digital news environment. A recent survey by the Pew Research Center reveals that a growing number of U.S. adults now prefer to access local news online, with fewer people relying on traditional media like television or print. The majority of local daily newspaper readers now consume news digitally.
Despite the shift to online platforms, there has been a notable decline in attention to local news. The percentage of U.S. adults closely following local news has dropped since Pew’s last major survey on the subject in 2018, mirroring trends in declining national news engagement.
However, Americans continue to value local journalism. A large majority believe local news outlets are important for the well-being of their communities. Most respondents say local journalists are in touch with their communities, and many believe local news organizations perform well in key areas such as reporting news accurately, covering important stories, being transparent, and keeping an eye on local political leaders.
While the public’s trust in local news remains strong, the financial reality for local outlets is more precarious. Only 15% of respondents said they had paid for local news in the past year. Many people are also unaware of the financial challenges facing local news outlets, with 63% believing their local news organizations are doing well financially. Examples: Irving TX news, Jacksonville news
Political differences play a smaller role in opinions about local media compared to national outlets. While Republicans are slightly less positive about local news than Democrats, majorities in both parties agree that local media in their areas are doing their jobs well. Additionally, while most Americans believe local journalists should remain neutral, a significant minority – particularly Democrats and younger adults – think local journalists should advocate for change within their communities.
The findings are part of a January 2024 Pew Research Center survey of about 5,000 U.S. adults, conducted as part of the Pew-Knight Initiative, a joint research program funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
The Shift to Digital News
The survey shows a continuing shift in how Americans access local news, with online sources gaining in popularity. In 2024, 26% of Americans said they preferred to get local news from websites, while 23% cited social media. Television news, once the dominant source, is now preferred by only 32%, down from 41% in 2018. Smaller shares of Americans get local news from print newspapers (9%) or radio (9%).
Despite these changes, local news outlets face growing financial pressures. The Medill School of Journalism reported that the U.S. has lost one-third of its newspapers since 2004, and the rate of closures is increasing. In 2023, an average of 2.5 local publications disappeared each week, up from two per week the previous year. As a result, over half of U.S. counties now have little or no access to local news sources, with more counties at risk.
To cover news in the San Antonio area, a smaller site was created that covers Bandera County news. A popular site in Irving TX has so much success that they decided to expand by covering news for the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
The Importance of Local News
Local news outlets play a critical role in informing communities and promoting civic engagement. In many areas, important events like city council meetings go uncovered in the absence of local news. Studies suggest that communities with stronger local news habits are more engaged in local elections and other civic activities. Local news also helps foster community identity and can stimulate local economies by providing advertising opportunities for nearby businesses. In one instance, a news site was added for Central Georgia to provide more detailed information to this area of the state. In another test scenario, mobile news was consumed in Texas with the addition of Texas Herald News. A site in Greenville, Texas started adding East Texas news to its coverage.
The decline of local newspapers has heightened concerns about misinformation, as communities without local news are more likely to rely on less credible sources. Local outlets offer diverse coverage, which is essential in today’s politically polarized environment. Many experts argue that the survival of local journalism is crucial to the success of democracy, providing accurate, unbiased information that supports informed civic participation.