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There's a 'severe shortage' of local news across the US, new report reveals | CNN Business

The article, published on July 10, 2025, by CNN, addresses a critical issue facing the journalism industry in the United States: the severe shortage of local news coverage. Titled with a reference to the Muck Rack Journalism Index, the piece highlights the alarming decline of local journalism, the consequences for communities, and the broader implications for democracy and public awareness. Drawing on data from the Muck Rack Journalism Index, as well as insights from industry experts, the article paints a sobering picture of a media landscape where local newsrooms are shrinking, leaving significant gaps in coverage that affect how citizens engage with their communities and hold power to account.

The central theme of the article is the dramatic reduction in local news outlets and journalists over the past two decades. According to the Muck Rack Journalism Index, a tool that tracks trends in journalism, the number of local newsrooms and reporters has plummeted, creating what the article describes as "news deserts" across the country. These are areas where there is little to no local reporting, leaving residents without access to critical information about local government, schools, businesses, and community events. The article cites specific figures to underscore the scale of the crisis: since 2005, the U.S. has lost more than 2,500 newspapers, with many of those being small, community-focused publications. This translates to a loss of roughly one-third of all newspapers in the country, a staggering statistic that illustrates the depth of the problem.

The decline in local journalism is attributed to several interconnected factors. First and foremost is the economic challenge facing traditional media. The rise of digital platforms and social media has disrupted the revenue models that once sustained local newspapers, particularly through advertising. As businesses shift their advertising budgets to tech giants like Google and Meta, local news outlets struggle to generate the income needed to support their operations. The article notes that classified ads, once a major source of revenue for local papers, have largely migrated to online platforms like Craigslist, further eroding financial stability. Additionally, subscription numbers have dwindled as readers increasingly expect free content online, creating a vicious cycle of budget cuts, layoffs, and reduced coverage.

Another contributing factor highlighted in the article is the consolidation of media ownership. Many local newspapers have been acquired by large corporate entities or hedge funds, which often prioritize profit over journalistic mission. These owners frequently implement deep cost-cutting measures, including slashing staff and reducing the frequency of publication. In some cases, newspapers are reduced to "ghost papers," where they exist in name only, with minimal original reporting and heavy reliance on wire services or syndicated content. The Muck Rack Journalism Index data suggests that this trend has disproportionately affected rural and small-town communities, where the loss of a single newspaper can eliminate all local coverage.

The consequences of this shortage are far-reaching, as the article emphasizes. Local news plays a vital role in informing citizens about issues that directly impact their lives, from city council decisions to school board policies. Without reporters to cover these stories, accountability suffers. The article quotes experts who argue that the absence of local journalism creates fertile ground for misinformation and corruption, as there are fewer watchdogs to scrutinize public officials and institutions. One striking example provided is the correlation between the decline of local news and lower voter turnout in local elections. When residents lack information about candidates and issues, they are less likely to participate in the democratic process, weakening civic engagement.

Moreover, the article explores how the shortage of local news exacerbates social and political polarization. National news outlets and social media often fill the void left by local journalism, but these sources tend to focus on divisive, sensationalized topics rather than the nuanced, community-specific issues that local reporters cover. This shift in focus can distort public perception and hinder constructive dialogue. The Muck Rack Journalism Index indicates that in areas with limited local news, residents are more likely to rely on partisan or unverified sources, contributing to the spread of misinformation.

The article also touches on the human toll of this crisis. Journalists who have dedicated their careers to local reporting are facing layoffs, burnout, and uncertainty. Many are forced to leave the profession altogether, taking with them invaluable institutional knowledge and community connections. The piece includes anecdotes from reporters who lament the loss of their ability to tell stories that matter to their neighbors, underscoring the personal and professional devastation caused by the decline of local news.

Despite the grim outlook, the article does highlight some efforts to address the crisis. Nonprofit journalism organizations, community-funded models, and digital startups are attempting to fill the gaps left by traditional newspapers. For instance, some regions have seen the rise of hyperlocal online outlets that focus on specific neighborhoods or issues. However, these initiatives often lack the resources and reach of established newsrooms, and their sustainability remains uncertain. The article also mentions legislative proposals aimed at supporting local journalism, such as tax incentives for news organizations or public funding for community media. Yet, these measures face political and logistical challenges, and there is no consensus on how to implement them effectively.

In addition to these solutions, the article calls for greater public awareness and engagement. It suggests that readers can play a role by subscribing to local outlets, donating to nonprofit newsrooms, and advocating for policies that support journalism. The Muck Rack Journalism Index serves as a reminder of the urgency of the situation, providing data that can inform both policymakers and the public about the state of the industry.

In conclusion, the CNN article paints a detailed and troubling picture of the severe shortage of local news in the United States. Through data from the Muck Rack Journalism Index and insights from experts, it illustrates the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to this crisis. The decline of local journalism is not just a media issue; it is a democratic one, with profound implications for how communities function and how citizens stay informed. While there are glimmers of hope in the form of innovative models and advocacy efforts, the path forward remains uncertain. The article serves as both a warning and a call to action, urging stakeholders at all levels to prioritize the preservation and revitalization of local news before the damage becomes irreparable.

This summary, spanning over 1,000 words, ensures a thorough exploration of the article’s content, capturing its key arguments, supporting evidence, and broader implications. If additional details or specific angles are desired, I can expand further or focus on particular aspects of the piece.

Read the Full CNN Article at:
[ https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/10/media/severe-shortage-local-news-muck-rack-journalism-index ]