State of Local News Project 2025 Report

The State of Local News Project 2025 Report is a comprehensive analysis of the evolving landscape of local news in America over the past two decades. Authored by Project Director Zach Metzger and overseen by Tim Franklin, this report highlights significant trends, including the alarming rate of newspaper closures, which have resulted in nearly 40% of local newspapers vanishing. As a consequence, approximately 50 million Americans now live in areas with limited or no access to reliable local news sources. The report documents the rise of digital-only news sites, which, while increasing in number, are concentrated in urban areas and do not adequately replace the lost journalism jobs or coverage in rural regions. The report also details the impact of funding cuts to public broadcasting, which further exacerbates the challenges faced by local news ecosystems. It presents a detailed methodology and data analysis, providing insights into the current state and future of local journalism.