The Medill State of Local News Report 2024, released today, reveals a troubling expansion of local news deserts in the United States. This year, 127 newspapers have closed, leaving nearly 55 million Americans with limited or no access to local news. Despite this trend, the report also highlights some positive developments: a net increase of over 80 stand-alone local digital news sites has been recorded in the past year.
Conducted by the Medill Local News Initiative at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications, this annual study provides a comprehensive county-by-county analysis of local news outlets. The research includes newspapers, digital-only sites, ethnic media, and public radio stations offering original local reporting.
Key findings indicate that since 2005, more than one-third of U.S. newspapers have disappeared. In the last year alone, 127 newspapers closed—an average of two and a half per week—bringing the total decline to 3,300 since 2005 as of September. Consequently, the number of counties without any locally based source of news rose to 208 from 204 in 2023. Additionally, counties with only one news source increased to 1,563. Together these areas account for nearly half of the nation's counties and include almost 55 million people with limited or no access to local news.
Between 2022 and 2023, over 7,000 newspaper jobs were lost compared to just a few hundred the previous year. Meanwhile, newspaper mergers and acquisitions surged by 43%, with smaller chains like Carpenter Media Group leading this trend.
Using predictive modeling from Medill's Spiegel Research Center, researchers identified an increase in high-risk counties on their "Watch List" from 228 last year to 279—a rise of 22%. For the first time ever counted were national networks providing original local reporting; however none cover former news desert counties.
Despite challenges faced by traditional print media outlets transitioning online or closing altogether there is growth within standalone digital platforms: an increase netting at least eighty-one new ones nationwide - largest gain seen recently - though most remain urban-centric rather than rural-focused where needs are greatest still according experts behind study itself who mapped every startup across America identifying twelve promising "Bright Spots" after receiving nominations exceeding sixty entries aided support Microsoft corporation backing project financially alongside other major donors such Knight Foundation MacArthur Joyce Lilly Endowment Southern Newspaper Publishers Association Myrta J Pulliam Charitable Trust alum Mark Ferguson among others involved funding initiative aimed addressing pressing issue lack adequate coverage communities affected adversely ongoing crisis affecting citizens ability stay informed engaged democratically society today
Tim Franklin Director Local News Initiative John M Mutz Chair expressed concern saying “This research shows that crisis deepening fewer Americans have access they need about their communities be informed citizens” adding however “At same time report includes glimmers hope growing number digital sites countrywide”
Zach Metzger Project Director echoed sentiments noting widening gap between those who enjoy ample journalistic resources versus underserved areas stating strong demand remains original content urging necessary steps taken bridge divide through appropriate investment supportive policies