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By: Anna Cordova
Since the early 21st century, the rise of digital platforms has reshaped the journalism landscape, fundamentally changing how people consume news. With 86% of U.S. adults now getting their news from smartphones, computers, or tablets, local news organizations are being forced to adapt.
According to the Pew Research Center, Americans are not just moving online—they’re favoring specific platforms, with 26% preferring news websites and 23% turning to social media for local news. This shift has been driven by a desire for more accessible, informal, and entertaining news formats. “News is no longer something you read; it’s now something you watch, listen to, and click,” Sarah Cavancini, a reporter for the Palatka Daily News, said over the phone. “We now have to know how these photos, videos, and words look.” This shift has led local outlets to rethink their approach to engaging audiences. Reporters and editors are learning to create infographics, video segments, podcasts, and live streams, often with limited resources. “I’ve had to learn how to livestream, which has been fun,” Cavancini said. “But it has been difficult with so few of us; we don’t have the backing of national organizations.”
Despite these internal challenges, U.S. readers continue to find value in local news outlets, with 81% considering them somewhat essential to the well-being of their communities. Many also believe that local journalists remain deeply connected with their communities and excel in crucial areas such as delivering accurate and relevant news coverage. “That’s how we thrive,” Cavancini said. “People want to know what’s happening with their neighbors; they want to feel involved.” Content creator and Under the Desk News founder V Spehar echoes this idea, emphasizing that the future of news lies in meeting audience expectations for engagement. “People don’t just want objectivity,” Spehar remarked during a discussion with Poynter Institute president Neil Brown. “They want to be affirmed, educated, and included, or feel like they can build on the story.”
At the heart of this connection is trust. In today’s digital age, anyone with a social media account can become a self-proclaimed journalist, producing short-form videos and posts that blur the lines between opinion and news, resulting in only 34% of Americans having significant confidence in the media in 2022. While content creation platforms enable widespread information sharing, they also increase the risk of misinformation, as unverified claims can easily be presented as credible news. “I see these crazy things online from people around the country,” Elise Weeks, a longtime Palatka resident, said. “But with our local news, I know it is real because they took the time to talk to us; I trust them.” In neighborhoods and communities suspicious of traditional media, local news outlets that engage audiences through shared interests and experiences are broadening the reach of trusted journalism to build stronger communities through the news. “Everything that happens nationally happens locally—people forget that,” Cavancini said. “But we can connect on a deeper level; there’s no mistrust. People know we’re here to make a difference.”
Striking the right balance between traditional print reporting and digital platforms has become essential for local newsrooms striving to stay afloat. “I really only use Facebook to get my news,” Weeks said. “It’s easy; it’s right there for me, so I appreciate how local news is adapting.” As more people turn to social media for their news, local outlets must continuously evolve to meet the demands of their audience. By learning and embracing digital platforms, local news organizations aren’t just keeping pace but ensuring their survival and continued relevance. “It’s definitely been a balancing act,” Cavancini said. “We have to meet people where they are, and they have to come to us. It’s the only way we can keep up. But I’m excited about the challenge and what our future holds.”
