The Decline of Local News: A 20-Year Media Analysis

The State of Local News Report 2025

Earlier this month, a significant report was released by the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University titled “The State of Local News Report 2025.” This comprehensive analysis provides an in-depth look at the current state of local news in the United States, drawing on trends observed over the past two decades and highlighting developments since the 2024 report.

While there are some positive developments, such as the rise of digital news sites, the overall trend indicates a continued decline in access to reliable local reporting. Zach Metzger, the director of the State of Local News Project, emphasized that the transformation has been dramatic, with a growing disparity between those who have access to local news and those who do not.

In 2005, there were three newspapers for every 100,000 people in the U.S. Today, that number has been halved. Nearly 40% of the newspapers that existed 20 years ago have ceased operations. As a result, 50 million Americans — approximately 15% of the population — now have limited or no access to reliable local news. In the last year alone, more than 130 newspapers have shut down, equating to over two closures per week.

Understanding the Scope of the Report

The report is a detailed accounting of the local news industry across the country, tracking approximately 8,000 different outlets. It serves as a comprehensive catalog of American local media. While the focus is primarily on newspapers, the research includes 700 stand-alone digital news sites, 840 network-operated digital sites, 650 ethnic or foreign language organizations, and 340 public broadcasters.

The project originated in 2005 at the University of North Carolina, where Penelope Muse Abernathy, a former executive from the Wall Street Journal and New York Times, began writing the report in 2015. Since then, the project has moved to the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, where it is published today.

The report breaks down its data into several categories, including a summary of the local news landscape, an analysis of news deserts, a review of 20 years of data, insights into public broadcasting, circulation considerations, ownership changes, employment trends, and an exploration of news startups.

Expanding the Definition of News Deserts

One key finding highlighted by Metzger is that new news deserts are not only found in rural areas but also in urban and suburban regions. While many new news organizations have emerged over the past 20 years, they are predominantly located in urban centers. Less affluent or more rural areas, which face greater challenges in starting a business, have not benefited as much from the growth of digital media.

However, it is important to note that urban areas are also experiencing a reduction in local news coverage. The data and maps show numerous news deserts in the West and Southeast, but the full picture includes many urban and suburban areas that no longer have a local outlet.

Metzger pointed out that while Cook County, Illinois, may not be considered a news desert, certain neighborhoods and suburbs of Chicago lack local reporting due to consolidation. He emphasized that the majority of the losses in local news have occurred in urban and suburban areas over the past 20 years.

Changing Reasons for Closures

Another notable shift is the reason behind newspaper closures. Historically, closures were often a result of consolidation. However, in recent years, a different trend has emerged: smaller independent family-run papers or those from small chains are closing down. This is concerning because these outlets are often the most active and trusted sources within their communities.

These papers have strong family connections and serve as archives of institutional memory for their respective areas. The reasons for their closures can range from longtime owners passing away or retiring without a succession plan to more straightforward issues. Running a small business in America is increasingly challenging, and the returns may no longer cover the costs.

Strategies for Revitalizing Local News

Despite the challenges, there are signs of hope. Metzger has observed that among successful local news outlets, there is an increasing demand for high-quality, relevant local reporting. Outlets that focus on homegrown stories rather than simply reprinting national or international news are performing well.

These successful outlets emphasize content that reflects the community and what is happening locally. There has been a re-imagining of how local news organizations operate, with a focus on reconnecting with audiences and delivering content that resonates with them.