Local LGBTQ+ publications are facing a drop in ad dollars and a rise in safety concerns, new report finds

"A new report from News is Out, a national collaborative of queer news publishers, has mapped local LGBTQ+ publications across the U.S. The first comprehensive report of its kind, " The LGBTQ+ Media Mapping Project " paints a striking picture of how many of these community-centered news outlets are struggling to stay afloat during the second Trump administration, even as their engagement has increased."

"Authors Hanna Siemaszko, a researcher for the Local Media Association, and Tracy Baim, a journalist and co-founder of the Windy City Times, identified 105 local and 69 national outlets across the U.S., including newspapers, digital news sites, radio programs, and podcasts. As community-focused publications, many of these outlets publish arts and culture coverage, promote and host events, and spotlight local leaders. Many also provide essential reporting on local politics, policies, and healthcare issues."

"The project's authors found an increasing number of LGBTQ+ news deserts across the U.S. - entire regions or states with no dedicated local coverage of LGBTQ+ issues. Major metros are currently well-served by decades-old legacy publications, including Philadelphia Gay News, Dallas Voice, and Bay Area Reporter. The Washington Blade has been publishing since 1969 and spun off a sister Los Angeles-focused publication in 2017. Many states, however - including Alabama, Arkansas, New Hampshire, Indiana, Oregon, and South Carolina - have no known LGBTQ+ outlets."

Local LGBTQ+ publications across the United States include 105 local and 69 national outlets spanning newspapers, digital news sites, radio programs, and podcasts. Many outlets provide arts and culture coverage, promote and host events, spotlight local leaders, and deliver reporting on local politics, policies, and healthcare issues tailored to LGBTQ+ communities. Major metropolitan areas continue to have decades-old legacy publications, while entire states and regions have no dedicated local LGBTQ+ coverage. More than 1.5 million LGBTQ+ people across 18 states lack any dedicated local outlet, and the true unserved population likely reaches millions. CUNY hosts an interactive mapping tool.

Read at Nieman Lab