After five years as editor-in-chief of USA TODAY, the author seeks to return to local news, recognizing it as a solution for political polarization and community disconnection. Research shows 85% of adults value local news for community well-being. However, local journalism faces a crisis with many hometown papers closing and digital sites lacking revenue. Understanding these challenges prompted a local news initiative at Arizona State University, focusing on operational support, audience strategies, and sustainable revenue to reinvigorate local news organizations so they can thrive and innovate.
Local news decreases political divisiveness and knits together disparate communities. Local news readers are more likely to know their neighbors, fostering community engagement.
Extensive research proves that 85% of U.S. adults believe local news outlets are important to the well-being of their community.
The challenge is that local news is disappearing when it is needed most, with digital-only sites often struggling to generate enough revenue.
We've got the talent. We're good on passion. What we need is operational support, audience and business strategy, and a path to sustainability.
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