Resources
For understanding the current issues for local news outlets
Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing
The pioneers in writing on and researching the local news crisis and also the current hosts of The State of Local News Project.
Pew Research Center, America’s Changing Relationship with Local News
2024 report filled with helpful data on news consumption habits.
Carolina Public Press, Closing the News Gap Project (2023)
2023 report looking at the “digital divide,” the lack of internet and/or broadband in rural areas and how that affects access to news.
Rebuild Local News
Resource for public policy solutions to the local news crisis.
Research Centers & Universities
UNC Hussman School of Journalism
Pew Research, News Habits & Media
Research and Resources on Business Models for Local Newsrooms
The Knight Foundation, Philanthropic Options for Newspaper Owners, A Practical Guide, 2019
The Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School & Lenfest Institute, report on Business Models for Local News: A Field Scan, 2018
LION Publishers
Helps independent publishers build sustainable businesses. Also a source for curated lists of journalism support organizations including funders.
National Trust for Local News
Innovative model to safeguard local independent outlets.
Books
What Works in Community News: Media Startups, News Deserts, and the Future of the Fourth Estate
by Ellen Clegg & Dan Kennedy
