Americans’ Evolving Relationship with Local News: Digital Shift and Financial Challenges

Americans' Changing Relationship with Local News: Shifting Habits and Financial Hurdles

Local news in the United States is undergoing a dramatic transformation, as digital platforms become the go-to source for information, and traditional outlets face growing financial challenges. As part of the Pew Research Center’s latest survey on local news, we explored how U.S. adults engage with local journalism, and what they think about its role in their communities. Here’s what we found:

The Digital Shift:

Americans are increasingly turning to digital platforms for local news. In fact, a significant number of U.S. adults now prefer to access local stories online, whether through news websites (26%) or social media (23%), rather than through traditional mediums like TV or print. Fewer people are tuning into local news broadcasts on television (32%, down from 41% in 2018), and only 9% prefer to get their news from print newspapers or radio. This shift mirrors broader trends in news consumption, with more people gravitating toward digital sources.

A Decrease in News Engagement:

Despite the shift to digital, fewer Americans are closely following local news. The number of U.S. adults who say they follow local news "very closely" has dropped significantly, from 37% in 2016 to just 22% in 2024. Still, most Americans (66%) say they follow local news at least somewhat closely, though even this figure has decreased in recent years. This decline in attention parallels a broader trend of reduced engagement with national news as well.

Local News Still Matters:

Even as engagement with local news has waned, most Americans still believe local journalism plays an important role in their communities. About 85% of U.S. adults say local news outlets are at least somewhat important to the well-being of their community, with 44% stating that local journalism is extremely or very important. The vast majority (69%) also believe that local journalists are in touch with their communities, an improvement from previous surveys.

Americans also tend to view local news positively when it comes to specific roles: 71% say local outlets report the news accurately, 68% say they cover the most important stories, and 63% believe they are transparent in their operations. Importantly, these positive perceptions stand in stark contrast to the more negative views many Americans have of national media organizations.

A Political Divide, But Not Over Local News:

While opinions of national media are sharply divided along political lines, views of local news are more unified. Majorities from both political parties agree that local news outlets are doing well in fulfilling their journalistic duties. However, Republicans are slightly less positive than Democrats in their assessments. For example, 78% of Democrats say local media report news accurately, compared to 66% of Republicans.

The Financial Struggles:

Despite its continued importance, local news is facing financial turbulence. Many Americans remain unaware of the severe economic pressures facing local media outlets. A significant majority (63%) believes their local news outlets are doing well financially, although this view has declined slightly from previous years. The reality, however, is that local news organizations are grappling with declining circulation, reduced advertising revenue, and the closure of numerous newspapers across the country.

One of the biggest shifts in the industry has been the rise of digital news consumption, with many local newspapers now primarily accessed online. As of 2024, 66% of local newspaper readers access content digitally, up from just 43% in 2018. Meanwhile, only 31% still read local newspapers in print.

What’s Next for Local News?

While digital platforms are undoubtedly shaping the future of local journalism, there’s a sense of uncertainty about the sustainability of the model. The decline of print media, coupled with dwindling audience engagement, is testing the long-term viability of local news outlets. The industry will need to find new ways to innovate, secure revenue, and maintain its critical role in community life.

As digital news consumption continues to grow, the financial survival of local news outlets—and their ability to maintain a strong presence in local communities—will depend on adapting to this changing landscape and engaging a younger, digitally-savvy audience.