Digital News Sites Thrive Amidst Decline of Local Newspapers
Newspapers in the United States are closing at a rate of more than two per week by 2023. Last year, 81 new digital news sites were launched, the highest number since 2018. Despite digital growth, challenges remain, including declining readership and job losses.
Despite this decline, the Medill Local News Initiative at Northwestern University sees a glimmer of hope as digital news sites in metropolitan areas grow.
Last year, 127 newspapers closed, but there was a significant increase in digital sites, with 81 new ones appearing. This surge in digital entrepreneurship represents the most new sites since 2018, indicating a possible shift in the local news landscape.
Tim Franklin, director of the Medill Local News Initiative, emphasised the importance of innovative entrepreneurs in the digital news space. However, he cautioned that the sector is subject to significant turnover, with 131 sites closing last year, offsetting the net gain.
Despite the growth of digital platforms, the general outlook for local news remains bleak. The industry continues to face challenges, including declining readership and advertising revenue. Since 2005, over 3,200 newspapers have closed, leaving approximately 5,600 in operation. Furthermore, nearly 2,000 newsroom jobs were lost in the last year alone, demonstrating the gravity of the crisis.
Franklin expressed concern about the growing local news crisis, citing the spread of news deserts, ongoing closures, and job losses in the industry. Several long-standing newspapers, including the Hinton Times in Iowa and the Northland Press in Minnesota, have recently closed, highlighting traditional print media's challenges.
On a more positive note, the rise of digital news sites, particularly in major cities, is filling the void left by declining local newspapers. These new platforms cater to communities that have received less coverage due to cuts at larger news organisations.
In Chicago, for example, digital outlets such as Block Club Chicago, The TRiiBE, and Cicero Independiente provide hyper-local news tailored to specific neighbourhoods and demographics, representing a new approach to local journalism in the digital era.
According to the Medill Local News Initiative, 90% of new digital sites are based in metropolitan areas, filling coverage gaps caused by cuts at larger news organisations. However, the report emphasises the critical need for news outlets in rural communities, identifying 279 counties as at risk of losing local news completely.
Furthermore, there has been a significant increase in the number of newspaper ownership changes, with 258 in 2023 compared to 180 the year before. Smaller businesses are actively acquiring papers, resulting in a diversification of ownership in the industry. Furthermore, the rise of nonprofit digital news sites provides a long-term alternative to traditional print media by eliminating printing costs and increasing funding options.
Newspapers in the US are closing at a rate of over two per week in 2023.
81 new digital news sites emerged last year, the highest since 2018.
Despite digital growth, challenges persist with declining readership and job losses.
Source: AP NEWS