🟦 Local Journalism & Independent News Media
A ranked guide to advocacy groups protecting journalism, rebuilding trust, and sustaining community news.
Local news is in crisis. Across the U.S., newspapers, community-based journalism outlets, and local TV and radio stations are disappearing—or struggling to survive with shrinking resources—due to corporate consolidation, collapsing ad revenue, and online disruption.
At the same time, public trust in the press has been eroded by political attacks, growing cynicism, and systemic inequality in media coverage.
This guide features advocacy organizations working to revitalize local journalism, promote nonprofit and community-centered media, and defend the vital role of a free and independent press. These groups provide toolkits, training, policy support, and grassroots engagement to help ensure the survival—and renewal—of quality journalism in a democratic society.
An initiative that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on underreported communities and issues, enhancing coverage and accountability.
Institute for Nonprofit News (INN)
A network of nonprofit news organizations that supports and promotes public-interest journalism. INN provides training, resources, and advocacy for nonprofit newsrooms.
A nonprofit organization that invests in local news startups and helps them build sustainable business models, focusing on revitalizing local journalism in underserved communities.
A national organization that leads campaigns to protect media access, stop media consolidation, and promote diverse, local voices.
An organization representing newspapers and magazines, advocating for fair compensation and policy reforms to support a sustainable and competitive news industry.
An organization that supports local media companies in their efforts to innovate and thrive, focusing on digital transformation and sustainable business models for local journalism.
A leading journalism school that provides training for journalists and media leaders, promoting high standards and ethics in journalism through workshops and online courses.
The News Literacy Project (NLP)
An education nonprofit that teaches the public how to identify credible news and information, empowering individuals to navigate the media landscape effectively.
National Newspaper Association/Foundation
An organization dedicated to supporting community newspapers and their vital role in local journalism, offering training, legal resources, and federal policy advocacy.
Promotes collaboration among local news organizations to foster sustainable journalism models, especially for community-focused reporting.
Public Media Journalists Association (PMJA)
Supports local public radio journalists and newsrooms, providing training, editorial standards, and policy advocacy for public broadcasting.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
An independent nonprofit organization that defends the rights of journalists worldwide, advocating for press freedom and protecting journalists from violence and harassment.
Key Issues Facing Journalism in the U.S.
Economic Decline of Local News: Hundreds of newspapers, TV, and radio outlets have closed or cut staff, weakening civic engagement and public oversight.
Corporate Consolidation: Hedge funds and conglomerates control many news outlets, reducing editorial independence and local focus.
Public Distrust and Cynicism: Amplified by political attacks, biased narratives, and social media misinformation, trust in journalism continues to erode.
Barriers to Access and Accountability: Journalists across platforms face growing obstacles to records, data, and public officials.
Survival of Independent Outlets: Nonprofit and public-interest models are needed to sustain diverse, mission-driven journalism.
Information Disorder: Misinformation (inaccuracies) and disinformation (lies) undermine fact-based reporting and confuse the public.
Undervalued Media Literacy: Media education is essential so people can recognize reliable sources across print, broadcast, and digital platforms.