Local News in 2022: A Year of Change and Resilience

The year 2022 was a watershed moment for local news, marked by both significant challenges and remarkable achievements. The continued decline of print newspapers, coupled with the rise of digital media, has forced local news organizations to adapt and innovate in order to survive.

Despite these challenges, local news organizations have demonstrated remarkable resilience, finding new ways to connect with their communities and provide essential information. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, highlighted the critical role of local news in keeping people informed and safe.

Key Trends in Local News 2022

• The decline of print newspapers: Print newspaper circulation continued to decline in 2022, as more and more people turn to digital sources for news. According to the Pew Research Center, daily newspaper circulation fell by 8% in 2022, while Sunday circulation fell by 10%.

• The rise of digital media: Digital media, including websites and social media platforms, has become the primary source of news for many people. In 2022, 68% of Americans said they get their news from digital sources, compared to just 24% who get their news from print newspapers.

• The growth of local news podcasts: Local news podcasts have become increasingly popular in recent years, providing a convenient and engaging way for people to stay informed about their communities. In 2022, there were over 15,000 active local news podcasts in the United States.

• The rise of non-profit journalism: Non-profit journalism organizations have played an increasingly important role in supporting local news in recent years. These organizations often provide funding and resources to local news organizations, as well as support for investigative journalism.

Challenges Facing Local News

• Economic pressures: The decline of advertising revenue has put a strain on local news organizations, making it difficult for them to invest in reporting and staffing.

• Technology challenges: Keeping up with the latest technology can be a challenge for local news organizations, especially those with limited resources.

• Misinformation and disinformation: The spread of misinformation and disinformation online poses a threat to the credibility of local news.

Achievements of Local News in 2022

• Providing essential information during the COVID-19 pandemic: Local news organizations played a critical role in keeping people informed about the COVID-19 pandemic, providing essential information about the virus and its impact on their communities.

• Investigative journalism: Local news organizations continued to produce high-quality investigative journalism, holding those in power accountable and exposing wrongdoing.

• Community engagement: Local news organizations are finding new ways to engage with their communities, using social media and other digital tools to connect with residents and solicit feedback.

The Future of Local News

The future of local news is uncertain, but there are reasons to be optimistic. Local news organizations are adapting to the changing media landscape and finding new ways to connect with their communities. The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the importance of local news, and there is a growing awareness of the need to support local journalism.

Here are some of the key challenges and opportunities facing local news in the years to come:

• Developing sustainable business models: Local news organizations need to find sustainable business models that will allow them to continue producing high-quality journalism.

• Addressing the spread of misinformation: Local news organizations need to find ways to combat the spread of misinformation and disinformation online.

• Building trust with communities: Local news organizations need to build trust with their communities by providing fair and accurate reporting.

Local news is essential for a healthy democracy. It provides citizens with the information they need to make informed decisions about their communities. It also holds those in power accountable and helps to ensure that our communities are safe and healthy.

We all have a role to play in supporting local news. We can do this by subscribing to local news organizations, donating to local news funds, and sharing local news stories on social media. We can also hold our elected officials accountable for providing adequate funding for local journalism.