Local news is the collection of newspapers, radio and television programs, and other communication outlets that report on a geographically defined community. It is an essential part of civic engagement, providing citizens with information on issues that directly affect their daily lives and encouraging them to participate in local discussions and activities.
Local journalism is also crucial for democracy, holding public officials accountable, and promoting transparency. It is often a key source of community identity, highlighting historical and cultural aspects that distinguish an area from others. And it can act as a counterweight to national news, which by its nature makes more general claims that may not reflect the reality of an individual community.
These 13 local stories that made a difference in 2019 showcase strategies that can help local news survive and thrive, including collaborations between small and larger newsrooms, partnering with community organizations, and using innovative approaches like solutions journalism and restorative narratives. They highlight the importance of diversity and representation in both staffing and reporting, and the power of collaborative journalism to build trust.
When the Oglethorpe Echo, Georgia’s only newspaper, was facing closure in 2021, a plan was devised to save it: Have nearby Grady College (Journalism and Mass Communication) students serve as editors, in exchange for a hands-on education in local journalism. This strategy has been a success and resulted in the Echo winning numerous awards over the past three years. It has even helped to rekindle a sense of local pride in Oglethorpe County itself.