While the news industry as a whole has been struggling, local journalism faces especially formidable challenges. A number of major news outlets have shuttered and the broader landscape is changing fast as companies rework their business models and adapt to shifting consumer habits.
At the same time, Americans say they follow local news at least somewhat closely, and many see it as important to their communities. They also say that local journalists are in touch with their communities and do a good job of reporting the news accurately.
But despite the importance that most people attach to local news, they seem unaware of the financial problems it faces. A majority of Americans (63%) think their local news outlets are doing very or somewhat well financially, and this is a small improvement over 2018.
The survey asked those who follow local news to rate how satisfied they are with the coverage they get on different topics. For most of these topics, fewer than half of those who consume local news say they are highly satisfied. However, on the topic of climate change, nearly two-thirds say they are very satisfied with their local news coverage.
There are a few notable exceptions to this general pattern, including coverage of political events and crime. These data suggest that local newsrooms may be able to generate interest in their stories and build trust with the public by focusing on issues that matter, such as environmental sustainability or civic engagement. They can also use strategies that encourage citizen participation, such as community boards and platforms for support from neighbors and partners.
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