Minnesota lost 34% of its newspapers since 2005, study shows

The big picture: But fewer papers and people are providing news for residents. The number of newspapers publishing in the state dropped 34% since 2005, the report estimates. Many of those that remain are small weeklies.

• The number of newspaper journalists working in the state shrunk by 64% over the same period, per the report.

Why it matters: News outlets play a crucial role in keeping communities informed and connected. Studies have shown that civic engagement declines when local news outlets close.

By the numbers: There are roughly 6,000 newspapers left in America, down from 8,891 in 2005, Axios' Sara Fischer writes.

• Analysts believe that by the end of next year the U.S. will have lost one-third of the newspapers it had in 2005.

Between the lines: The Twin Cities is home to a relatively robust media market, supporting multiple newspapers, TV and radio stations, and a growing number of new digital outlets.

• The Northwestern report identified 268 newspapers, public broadcasting stations, ethnic news outlets, and digital-only sites active in the state.

Yes, but: But the metro — and the state — hasn't been immune from the industry-wide trend of cuts and closures.

• The report identifies Minnesota as one of the states that lost the most newspapers per capita between 2005 and 2023. Most were weeklies.

Zoom in: The Pioneer Press now counts just 29 people in the newsroom, Racket recently reported. That's down from a staff of roughly 200 when Alden Global Capital, an investment firm known for slashing costs at local papers, became the minority owner of the 175-year-old paper in 2006.

• The St. Cloud Times lost its sole remaining reporter earlier this year.
• Even the Star Tribune, which is owned by billionaire Glen Taylor and still boasts one of the largest print circulations in the nation, has shed about 100 newsroom union jobs since 2006 to just over 200, per Racket.

What they're saying: Minnesota Newspaper Association executive director Lisa Hills told Axios that the impact on "community coverage isn't as dramatic of a decrease" as the numbers suggest.

• That's because consolidations and the addition of new outlets have helped maintain a local news presence in suburbs and rural areas that "lost" papers in recent years.
• In St. Cloud, for example, Forum Communications recently launched a weekly print edition of the online newsroom it debuted following the Times staff exodus.

Of note: Hills' count of 264 active MNA members, which includes niche publications such as the Plymouth-based Outdoor News, is slightly higher than the 242 Minnesota newspapers documented by the Northwestern researchers.

• But she said the overall drop, which was similar to the 25% decline in newspapers estimated by another local report published this year, mirrors what she's seen.

What we're watching: New efforts to support and sustain local news statewide, including a $500,000 expansion at Grand Rapids' public radio station and a citizen journalism workshop hosted by MNA and Bethel University.

• Seven of the 20 participants in the Bethel program's first class ended up working in freelance or full-time journalism roles, per the Initiative Foundation.

Editor's note: This story was updated to specify the description of Alden as an investment firm.