Local news refers to journalism in print, broadcast and digital formats that cover events and issues that are specific to a given community. It is usually informed by a community’s perspectives and aims to meet critical information needs of residents. It encourages civic engagement and connection, which is particularly important for people who live in “news deserts” – communities that do not have access to local news sources that can reliably report on their public affairs.
The health of local news ecosystems is a critical component to the overall health of our nation’s democracy and society. The omission of local news in media coverage can lead to misinformation, disengagement and political polarization. Local journalism can help counteract this trend, with a strong network of diverse and representative journalists able to inform communities’ perspectives and connect citizens to the issues that affect them.
In the United States, local news can be provided by a variety of outlets, including newspapers, radio, television and even some hyperlocal digital-only start-ups. In addition, community newsrooms and civic engagement organizations are also important for the production of local news. In the case of television, local news can be provided by local commercial broadcasting stations that either produce their own standalone newscasts or air short regional opt-outs that are attached to national morning network newscasts. Local news can also be provided by cable channels that are dedicated to news coverage, such as NY1 in New York or WJLA 24/7 News (formerly NewsChannel 8) in the Washington, DC market.
