The local news business may no longer be the cause celebre it once was, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a worthwhile one to support. It’s a critical part of democracy and civic engagement that works best with informed communities. And philanthropists can play a role in supporting the local news ecosystem, even in regions where they’re not based.
Filling the Local News Void
The void left by shuttered newspapers is being filled by newer nonprofit and for-profit ventures, from television news outlets to online sites. Many of these ventures have a mission to bring quality journalism to communities that have lost their local newspaper. But these entrepreneurs need help from funders to ensure their long-term viability.
Fortunately, more institutional foundations and high net worth individuals are starting to see the importance of supporting local news. These funders are looking to move beyond a narrow approach to funding individual news outlets and toward an “ecosystem approach” where they support the entire local media sector.
This includes supporting national organizations that provide support to local newsrooms and that work to connect donors with the right local news groups. It also means embracing a collective approach to supporting local news, allowing foundations to pool resources and leverage their influence. For example, the Lenfest Institute in Philadelphia takes a collective approach to supporting local news in that city and across the country. This allows local philanthropists to join with their fellows in Philadelphia and other funders across the country to make more impact in the field of local journalism.