Local journalism is under pressure in many parts of the world, but it is far from disappearing, according to a new report released this week by the International Center for Media Studies. The study surveyed newsrooms in 40 countries and found that while traditional local newspapers continue to decline, new models are filling some of the gaps.

“The story is not simply one of loss,” says report author Dr. Sofia Marquez. “In many places, journalists are finding creative ways to keep communities informed, even with very small budgets.”

The Numbers

The report estimates that the number of full-time local reporters has fallen by roughly a quarter over the past decade in the countries studied. Rural areas have been hit hardest, with some regions now lacking any dedicated local news source.

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At the same time, nonprofit newsrooms have grown rapidly. The study identified more than 900 nonprofit local outlets founded since 2015, many funded by a mix of reader donations, foundations and community partnerships. Community radio stations also remain a vital source of information in many regions.

The report also highlights the growing role of digital platforms. Many local outlets now reach readers primarily through newsletters, podcasts and social media rather than print. While this has lowered costs, it has also made outlets dependent on technology companies whose policies can change suddenly. “A change in an algorithm can cut traffic in half overnight,” Marquez notes. Some newsrooms are responding by building direct relationships with readers through events, memberships and community advisory boards. The study found that outlets with strong reader engagement were significantly more financially stable than those relying mainly on advertising revenue from large online platforms.

Collaboration Is Key

One of the most promising trends, the report says, is collaboration. Groups of small newsrooms are sharing investigations, data teams and even printing presses to reduce costs. “Competition used to define journalism,” Marquez says. “Now cooperation is helping it survive.”

The report recommends that governments and philanthropies support local journalism through tax incentives and grants while protecting editorial independence. It also encourages readers to subscribe to or donate to local outlets. “Local news is a public good,” Marquez adds. “If communities value it, they need to invest in it.”

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