Local News in Crisis: How Nonprofits Are Stepping Up
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Beyond
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, a well-known newspaper, recently stopped printing due to a legal battle with its employees. This is not an isolated incident. Over the past two decades, thousands of newspapers have closed, leaving many communities without a reliable source of local news.
The Impact of Losing Local News
- Decline in Civic Engagement
- Unchecked Corruption and Government Waste
- Increased Political Polarization
- Less Informed Communities
National news cannot fill this gap.
The Rise of Nonprofit News Organizations
Across the country, nonprofit news organizations are emerging to fill the void. These organizations rely on donations from:
- Philanthropic institutions
- Local businesses
- Individual readers
This model treats local journalism as a public good, much like a museum or a food bank.
Impactful Reporting by Nonprofits
- Mississippi Today: Exposed misuse of state welfare funds.
- Mirror Indy: Uncovered systemic abuse at a mental health facility.
- Boyle Heights Beat: Reported on polling center shortages, leading to solutions.
- The City: Revealed alleged corruption within the mayor's administration.
A Promising Trend
The rise of nonprofit news organizations shows a promising trend. As traditional newspapers struggle, these nonprofits are stepping up to provide essential local journalism. Their work is crucial for keeping communities informed and engaged.
