A new online database aimed at helping solve the local news crisis gives newsrooms, funders and policymakers access to critical research about how local news makes communities stronger and what we lose when local news sources close.

The Local News Research Hub was developed by the Local News Experimental Testing Lab (Local NExT Lab) at Syracuse University’s Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship (IDJC) in partnership with Rebuild Local News, a nonpartisan nonprofit coalition. The initiative brings together research from disciplines including communications, economics and political science.

Since the start of this century, nearly 40% of all local U.S. newspapers have closed, leaving 50 million Americans with limited or no access to reliable local news. The number of local journalists in the United States has fallen by more than 75% since 2002, according to Rebuild Local News’ Local Journalist Index.

This decline has led to a wave of new scholarship about the impact of local news, however, and the Research Hub aims to make that work accessible.

 

“Though the industry is facing many crises and issues, it’s an exciting time to study local news,” says Joshua Darr, director of Local NExT Lab and senior researcher at the IDJC. “There is so much good work being done across disciplines. We wanted to help ensure that the industry can benefit and use this research to make arguments to policymakers, funders and audiences about their civic and economic value.

 

Darr is also an associate professor of communications in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, which co-leads the institute with the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

“To move the needle on policy, we need more than just anecdotes; we need data and evidence that demonstrates the specific needs and measurable impact of local reporting,” says Steven Waldman, president of Rebuild Local News.

The Local News Research Hub provides that essential evidence by showing policymakers how a lack of local news leads to higher taxes, increased corruption and lower civic engagement, Waldman says . “By identifying these gaps, we can help craft targeted solutions that ensure every community has the information it needs to thrive.”

The project also includes a search function, key findings and summaries, and links to source materials. The resource builds on an earlier literature review on local news research developed by the Democracy Fund, an independent foundation that supports initiatives that foster reliable, equitable and community-focused journalism.

“We know a lot about why local news is declining and what’s at stake for communities,” says Johanna Dunaway, IDJC research director and professor of political science at the Maxwell School. “This resource bridges the gap between that research and the people positioned to do something about it.”

Based in Washington, D.C., the IDJC engages in research, teaching, experiential learning, partnerships and events to address challenges to democracy related to the information environment.

“Strengthening local news reduces polarization and empowers communities,” says Margaret Talev, Kramer Director of the IDJC and professor of practice of magazine, news and digital journalism at the Newhouse School. “We are proud of Local NExT’s innovative work and our partnership with Rebuild Local News.”

The nonprofit Rebuild Local News is a coalition of more than 55 organizations representing more than 3,000 newsrooms and 15,000 journalists. The coalition advocates for public policies to strengthen community news and information.

For more information on the hub or to contribute to the database, contact Darr at jpdarr@syr.edu or Matt Baker, research director at Rebuild Local News, at mattbaker@rebuildlocalnews.org.