Since 2002, the average number of local journalists in the United States has decreased by about 75%. A nonprofit organization plans to reconstruct Muck Rack, a resource that aggregates journalistic sources.
This effort includes data from over 1,000 counties—around one-third of the total—aimed at measuring the severity of local news shortages across the country.
The report indicates that the reduction in local journalists has led to decreased coverage of essential topics like school boards, local sports, businesses, city governments, and more. It describes the situation as “more serious and widespread than previously thought.”
Brian Stelter, a media reporter for CNN, noted, “The decline of local news is tied to a varied set of issues in the U.S.: polarization, radicalization, loneliness, and a general lack of trust.”
A prior report mentioned how long-time newsroom owners sold their outlets, resulting in more acquisitions by larger chains that have contributed to the decline of local newspapers. However, Muck Rack and Rebuild Local News might be the first to attempt to count individual reporters rather than just outlets.
This current report utilizes data from Muck Rack, analyzing articles published online. Researchers developed a method to identify profiles of local journalists, accounting for factors like published articles and freelance work.
The findings reveal significant declines in local journalism across various counties in the U.S.
Steven Waldman, president of Rebuild Local News, stated, “Thousands of communities—whether rural, urban, or suburban—lack the essential reporting needed for informed civic engagement.”
This issue spans major cities, including Los Angeles, Houston, Phoenix, and Las Vegas, indicating that serious crime may be reported but other vital stories often go untold.
The report underscores areas like New York City, San Francisco, and Massachusetts, which includes the Boston region, as having a notable presence of local journalists.
Interestingly, some states are faring better than others in terms of local journalist availability. For instance, Vermont boasts 27.5 local journalist equivalents per 100,000 residents—similar to New York City—thanks to a mix of established media and emerging nonprofit publications.
The growth of nonprofit digital newsrooms has been highlighted, although the momentum has slowed, particularly as venture capitalists and major publishers continue to pursue legacy metro newspapers across the nation.
