The Future of Local News • From Northeastern University’s School of Journalism
On the latest “What Works” podcast, Dan and Ellen talk with Joshua Macht and Ronnie Ramos. Both are leading an expansion by the MassLive Media Group, which operates MassLive.com. Macht, the president, previously led the digital transformation of the Harvard Business Review. Ramos is the vice president of content and executive editor of MassLive. MassLive is part of Advance Local, a privately owned chain that operates newspapers and websites around the country.
Google's Impact on Local News
In Quick Takes, Dan discusses an announcement Google made last week that could prove to be pretty harmful to local news publishers. Essentially Google is going to merge its search engine with Gemini, its artificial-intelligence tool. This AI-generated answer feature may impact the traffic to news outlets significantly.
Shifting Habits in Local News Consumption
Ellen reviews the findings from a recent Pew Research Center poll that studied local news habits. The research shows that U.S. adults increasingly turn to websites and social media for their news consumption.
Challenges in Supporting Local News
A three-year, $90 million appropriation to boost local news in New York State is sparking a contentious battle over who is eligible and who isn’t. As originally touted, the program was supposed to provide subsidies to offset the cost of hiring and retaining journalists at all manner of news organizations. However, the final version excludes many outlets, raising concerns about the exclusion of certain news organizations from the support.
The Importance of Inclusive Funding
Steven Waldman, president of Rebuild Local News, highlighted the importance of including nonprofit news outlets in the funding support. The eligibility criteria for funding should not favor one type of news organization over another. The rules governing the distribution of funds are still being developed, leaving room for potential revisions to ensure a fair and inclusive distribution.
Lessons from New York's Local News Support
The challenges faced in New York serve as a cautionary tale for government involvement in solving the local news crisis. The need for balanced, inclusive support for all types of news organizations is crucial in sustaining a vibrant local news ecosystem.
Community News Initiatives
In an effort to expand coverage, a second tab has been added to the Mass. Indy News spreadsheet to include public access television operations that provide valuable community news coverage. This initiative aims to showcase a diverse range of news sources and perspectives.
Student Journalism Impact
Student newspapers play a vital role in covering local news and important community events. The Huntington News at Northeastern University has been actively reporting on campus protests, highlighting the dedication of student journalists in covering relevant issues.
Local News Innovations
Anne Eisenmenger, president of Beaver Dam Partners, is leading hyperlocal for-profit newspapers in southeast Massachusetts, emphasizing the importance of community-focused news initiatives. The evolution of news models, such as free distribution newspapers, showcases innovative approaches to sustaining local news.
Preserving Local Journalism
The story of The Berkshire Eagle reflects the challenges and triumphs of local newspapers in the face of ownership transitions. The resilience of local news outlets underscores the importance of community support and sustainable business models in preserving local journalism.
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