The Decline of Local News and Its Impact on Communities

Experts warn the loss of local media outlets threatens accountability journalism and access to community information

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:06pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a stack of newspapers, a press pass, and a pen on a clean, monochromatic background, symbolizing the decline of traditional local journalism and the need for new models to sustain trustworthy community news.The erosion of local news outlets threatens the availability of independent reporting and community information that residents rely on.Today in Pittsburgh

The latest headlines report on the ongoing closures of newspapers, consolidation of TV stations, and staff layoffs across the media industry. Experts say this trend poses a threat to the availability of trustworthy local news and information that communities rely on, from accountability journalism to basic community updates. While the rise of digital media has disrupted traditional business models, some see nonprofit newsrooms as a potential solution to sustain local journalism.

Why it matters

The decline of local news outlets means there is less independent oversight of local government and fewer sources for vital community information. This can make it harder for residents to stay informed and engaged with their local communities.

The details

Tom Davidson, a professor at Penn State's Bellisario Media Center, says the loss of local media is an economic problem driven by the shift of advertising dollars to digital platforms like Facebook and Google. With fewer reporters and producers, there is less trustworthy local news and information available to residents. This includes both accountability journalism that holds local officials accountable, as well as basic community updates like sports league signups.

  • The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, a 240-year-old newspaper, is slated to close this week.
  • Nonprofit models are emerging as a potential solution to sustain local journalism across Pennsylvania.

The players

Tom Davidson

A professor at Penn State's Bellisario Media Center who studies the decline of local news and potential solutions.

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What they’re saying

“It's easy to look at this issue and say, 'This is just a matter of one set of corporate owners, owners of broadcast outlets or newspapers, losing advertising dollars to a different set of corporate owners at Facebook and Google.' But I think for those of us who live in a place, it really comes down to the amount and the quality of local, trustworthy information that we have available to us.”

— Tom Davidson, Professor, Penn State Bellisario Media Center

What’s next

Nonprofit models are emerging as a potential solution to sustain local journalism across Pennsylvania, and experts will be watching to see if this model can help fill the void left by the decline of traditional local media outlets.

The takeaway

The loss of local news outlets threatens the availability of independent accountability journalism and basic community information that residents rely on. While the shift to digital media has disrupted traditional business models, finding sustainable solutions to support local journalism is crucial for keeping communities informed and engaged.