The State of Local News 2024 – Local News Initiative

The State of Local News 2024  Local News Initiative

The latest insights and trends on the local news landscape across the country. Through data and graphics, explore the state of local news outlets and learn about news deserts, network sites and pathways to sustainability. An introduction to the 2024 State of Local News Report by Tim Franklin, Senior Associate Dean and John M. Mutz Chair in Local News and Director of the Medill Local News Initiative Welcome to the third installment of Medill’s annual State of Local News Report, a research project designed to provide new insights and to identify trends in the nation’s fast-changing local news ecosystem. Our research this year unearthed major changes with significant implications for the news industry, our communities and our democracy.

The loss of local newspapers is continuing at an alarming pace, deepening the local news crisis and further depriving people of information they need to make informed decisions. Local news deserts are spreading. A furious pace of mergers and acquisitions is underway, as many longtime newspaper owners bail, and regional chains capitalize on opportunities. Meanwhile, the number of standalone digital local news sites has continued to grow. With this year’s report, the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University is continuing to expand its research to provide a more holistic view of local news in the U.S. For the first time, this