The 2025 Chicago-Area News Consumption Survey from Medill and the University of Chicago looks at how residents get their local news. The trend is shifting fast, with smartphones leading the way and content creators rivaling newspapers. Read here: localnewsinitiative.northwestern.edu/posts/2025/0...
The sale of eight Illinois newspapers to out-of-state Paxton Media raises questions after publishers reportedly skipped the 120-day notice required by the new state law meant to keep ownership local. Read more here: localnewsinitiative.northwestern.edu/posts/2025/0...
In a new survey commissioned by the @localnewsini.bsky.social, findings show the changing ways in which people’s news behaviors are evolving. Plus, they provide both dire warning signals for the news industry, and reasons for optimism. Read more: spr.ly/63325AKu7c
The @localnewsini.bsky.social is a finalist for a Chicago Innovation Award! 🎉 It recognizes innovative new products, services, and organizations in the Chicago region, celebrating breakthroughs that improve lives. Vote here for the "People's Choice" Award: spr.ly/63321Ap2O7
From audience strategy to AI training, Medill’s new Shared Services Hub is partnering with Chicago news outlets to strengthen local journalism and sustain reliable coverage. localnewsinitiative.northwestern.edu/posts/2025/0...
"Without being too preachy, “The Paper” captures the relentless cost-cutting of corporate newspaper owners, the loss of institutional knowledge in newsrooms and the idealism of those still pursuing a journalism career." Brier Dudley for LNI: localnewsinitiative.northwestern.edu/posts/2025/0...
When local news disappears, secrecy thrives. A new study finds that government secrecy grows strongest in states hardest hit by the local news crisis. Full story: localnewsinitiative.northwestern.edu/posts/2025/0...
Illinois is backing its local news: $4M in tax credits awarded to help 40 news organizations (operating 120 outlets) keep reporters on staff. Check out our interactive map to see who received the tax credits. localnewsinitiative.northwestern.edu/posts/2025/0...
“I know what we’re doing is certainly, not just atypical but outlandish in the minds of some.” Stephen Crane reflects on launching a weekly print newspaper in a digital era and why print might be having its moment again in community news: localnewsinitiative.northwestern.edu/posts/2025/0...
“They grew a little too quickly before having in place the infrastructure they needed.” A closer look at how the National Trust hits reset after rapid expansion: localnewsinitiative.northwestern.edu/posts/2025/0...
“National news won’t earn back trust until local news is rebuilt.” Chuck Todd joins Michigan Press Leaders to talk collaboration, community, and the future of local journalism.
From trivia nights and block parties to festivals and awards, publishers are hosting events to deepen community trust, boost engagement & open new revenue streams. Dive into the full story 👇 localnewsinitiative.northwestern.edu/posts/2025/0...
A local government agency just bought The Tuskegee News to keep it alive. Is this unusual arrangement the beginning of a trend, or a one-off? Read more about Alabama’s newspaper rescue: localnewsinitiative.northwestern.edu/posts/2025/0...
An Oregon bill viewed as a national model for tech platforms to compensate local news outlets has failed. The Medill Local News Initiative posted this story from The Seattle Times columnist Brier Dudley on the Oregon setback. localnewsinitiative.northwestern.edu/posts/2025/0...
Are local news organizations benefiting from or getting crushed by artificial intelligence? In our latest Q&A, journalism professor Tom Rosenstiel chats with Mark Caro about the future of local news in the age of generative AI.
🧭 Shifting Sandboxes explores how legacy local outlets like The Lansing Journal and Daily Herald are tapping into YouTube & Facebook to reach new audiences and revenue. When local news adapts, sustainability follows. localnewsinitiative.northwestern.edu/posts/2025/0... #LocalNews#MediaInnovation
Ready to transform conflict into constructive change? Join us in Chicago on June 27 for the free Medill Midwest Solutions Journalism Summer Summit — a full day of panels, networking & reporting inspiration.
