For Communities

Local news helps you make informed decisions about your community, schools, local government, and daily life. It keeps you safe during emergencies, helps you understand what’s happening in your neighborhood, holds leaders accountable, and connects you to your community. Without strong local news, communities lose a vital source of trusted information and civic connection.

According to the American Journalism Project, “Research shows that the loss of local news is having an insidious effect on our democracy — contributing to polarization, decrease in voting, and government accountability. Local news is an essential lever to a healthy democracy; it helps communities understand what’s at stake in local elections, equips them to get involved in the political process by voting, contacting officials and running for office, reduces political polarization, and holds public officials accountable.”

Many communities, especially rural communities and communities of color, have limited or no access to reliable local news. This means there are a lot of places where residents struggle to find information about local issues, civic decisions, and community events that affect their daily lives. But, there are business models and new ideas that can revitalize your community’s connection to what’s happening and affecting your daily life.

These reports provide comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing local news in Washington State.

• News Ecosystem Report - WSU Murrow College analysis of Washington's evolving local news landscape
• The Decline of Local News - League of Women Voters of Washington examines the state of local journalism across Washington communities
• Statehouse Journalism in Transition - University of Washington research on coverage of state government and policy

Subscribe at: https://freshgroundwa.substack.com/ 

The best way to stay informed about local news in Washington State is to subscribe to Fresh Ground, a newsletter published by our partners at the Washington State News Alliance. Fresh Ground is where funding opportunities will be announced and is the primary source for updates on Washington’s news ecosystem, field conversations, and convenings with WA News Fund.