How local news is changing — and why it matters
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Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios
The loss of local news has an insidious effect on democracy.
Why it matters: The trend is "contributing to polarization, decrease in voting and government accountability," the nonprofit American Journalism Project found through an analysis of independent research.
Yes, but: Groups like the Knight Foundation see reasons for hope as newer journalism outlets take hold — some of which are increasingly being funded by philanthropy.
State of play: A declining share of adults are following the news closely, and traditional media audiences for newspapers, TV and radio are shrinking, according to a recent Pew Research Center study.
- Digital devices are now the most common way Americans get news.
By the numbers: Nearly 90% of adults say they often or sometimes get news from a smartphone, computer or tablet, per Pew.
- That's compared to around 65% for television, 42% for radio and 25% for print publications.
Stunning stat: Almost a third of all U.S. newspapers have shuttered since 2005, according to the Medill Local News Initiative at Northwestern University.
- There are roughly 6,000 newspapers left in the U.S., down from 8,891 in 2005.
Threat level: Most communities that lose a local newspaper don't get a replacement, even online.
- More than 200 counties in the U.S. now have zero news outlets, per Medill's report.
What they're saying: Having a reporter monitor city hall, police or local businesses serves the public good by promoting civic engagement and helping communities make better decisions, according to Knight.
What we're watching: Axios's growth to 30 local markets in the last four years — with more on the way — is just one example of new investments in local journalism across the country.
- A collection of more than two dozen philanthropic groups, including Knight, pledged more than $500 million last year to a new initiative that has committed to support local journalism across the country.
The bottom line: Support local news.
- Our Axios Local membership program is just one way to do so.