Local news is journalism that covers events and issues that directly affect a particular geographical community. It is distinct from national news, which typically has a more global perspective. Local news is a critical component of civic life, informing citizens about government decisions that impact their lives, and fostering a sense of community identity by reporting on cultural aspects of the area in which they live. It can also serve as a watchdog, holding public officials accountable.
While many communities have lost their local newspapers in recent years, a growing number of entrepreneurs – from journalists to television stations to digital start-ups – are finding new ways to fill the void. These innovative solutions show that it is possible for local news to survive and thrive.
Often these initiatives involve partnerships between local and larger organizations to share resources, expertise, or audiences. The Eudora Times in rural Kansas, for example, is a community newspaper that relies on the University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism for its student journalists and for much of its content. The paper recently collaborated with several local business and nonprofit partners — including Spherion, Visiting Nurses Association, PR Machine Works, Nanogate/Jay Systems, Richland Bank, and the Mechanics Bank — to produce a series of articles on the economic future of manufacturing in rural America.
In the United States, local news is commonly provided by local commercial broadcast television stations and may be in the form of standalone newscasts or short segments that air attached to network morning newscasts (known as regional opt-outs). In addition, some cable channels dedicated to local news coverage exist.