Local news focuses on the issues that affect the communities it serves. It can encompass a broad range of topics from civic engagement to economic development. It is a vital component of democracy by promoting informed citizenship, encouraging citizen participation, and strengthening trust in journalism. Local news can also foster community identity and help citizens hold their elected officials accountable.
Local media has distinct advantages over national outlets in its ability to inform citizens about the local environment in which they live. This includes being able to use alternative reporting approaches such as solutions journalism and restorative narratives. Local news can also create a sense of place and increase engagement by prioritizing stories that resonate with local audiences.
Research shows that people who have access to local news are more likely to vote, contact their elected officials, and feel engaged with their community. It can also reduce political polarization and encourage civic engagement by informing voters about what is at stake when they vote.
Despite this, local news organizations face several challenges in today’s media landscape. These include declining advertising revenues, shifting audience preferences, and competition from digital platforms. These challenges can lead to reduced staff sizes and less comprehensive coverage of local issues.
In the United States, local news is usually produced by television stations or online news sites that focus on a particular city or region. These publications typically sell subscriptions or provide free content to readers. Some of these publications may also make their content available as a mobile app, podcast, or radio show.