As support for efforts to keep the public informed through local media declines, worry about information disorder is growing fast. Our founder @stevenwaldman.bsky.social argues the path forward starts with rebuilding local news. Read it here: democracynotesperspectives.substack.com/p/worried-ab...

As local news erodes, researchers across disciplines are racing to understand the fallout. Alongside @syracuseu.bsky.social, we created the Local News Research Hub to gather studies on the causes, consequences and remedies of the crisis under one home. Explore the Hub: www.localnewsresearchhub.com

NEW: The Local News Research Hub, built by the Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship's Local NExT Lab and @rebuildlocalnews.bsky.social, gives newsrooms, funders and policymakers searchable access to research on local news' impact and how to strengthen it. 🔗 buff.ly/O1BnuuB

As local news erodes, researchers across disciplines are racing to understand the fallout. Alongside @syracuseu.bsky.social, we created the Local News Research Hub to gather studies on the causes, consequences and remedies of the crisis under one home. Explore the Hub: www.localnewsresearchhub.com

Good news in CA: @asmchrisward.bsky.social's AB 2222, a bill to help newsrooms retain and hire local journalists, passed out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee on a bipartisan 14–2 vote and added @buffywicks.bsky.social as a joint author. The bill heads to an Assembly floor vote next week.

In Tulsa, a simple idea is strengthening how local newsrooms keep their communities informed. The @tulsaflyer.bsky.social and Oklahoma Eagle are building a shared reporting network that moves reliable coverage across outlets. Report once, reach many. Read more: www.bushcenter.org/publications...

Did you miss our April newsletter? It covered three big moves in local news policy: 1️⃣ Our new local journalist employment credit model law 2️⃣ A Community News Investment Fund proposal 3️⃣ Maryland’s statewide government ad set‑aside Catch up on our April edition: mailchi.mp/rebuildlocal...

When our policy manager @lorihenson.bsky.social analyzed Minnesota’s newly released ad‑spending data, she found that less than 30% of the state's public ad dollars reached local newsrooms. Most of the money flows right past the outlets that keep communities informed. 🔗 Link to the report below.

ICYMI: The Connecticut Legislature unanimously passed HB5343, a major step forward for government advertising transparency. The bill requires state agencies and higher‑ed institutions to publicly report their annual advertising spending. 🔗 Learn more below

We’re hiring! 📢 Local news is essential to a thriving democracy, and California needs bold, sustained action. So, we’re seeking a California State Manager to drive long‑term policy solutions that support community journalism in the state. 🔗 Job Link Below

Weekend Read: Photographer Ann Hermes is traveling the country with a powerful mission to photograph 100 local newsrooms, capturing an essential civic institution under strain and the communities fighting to keep it alive. Learn more: apnews.com/article/news...

Minnesota has one of the strongest civic cultures in the country, but many outlets are at a financial tipping point. Our new report proposes a Community News Investment Fund to give local newsrooms access to the flexible, affordable capital most small businesses rely on. 🔗 Learn more below.

According to a survey by the Pew Research Foundation, only 8% of Americans say people have a responsibility to pay for news. Learn more: www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/pew-...

Today, Rebuild Local News is releasing a new model law to help states create a local journalist employment credit — a practical, First Amendment‑friendly way to strengthen local reporting by supporting the jobs behind it.

This Thursday, we’re releasing the April edition of The Press Advocate, featuring our latest model law to help revive local journalist jobs and a new report on Minnesota’s shrinking news ecosystem with a proposal to help newsrooms statewide access the capital to grow. Sign up: eepurl.com/g_kGnP

“Others noted subscription fatigue from being asked to pay for access to multiple news sources, including independent journalists on platforms such as Substack. ‘I can’t do $5 for 20 people,’ one participant said. ‘That’s a lot. It adds up.’” www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/pew-...

"At least some of these big companies look for communities that are news deserts to build projects,” a local journalist said, “because it’s easier for them when there’s less public scrutiny.” Read more at @columjournreview.bsky.social: www.cjr.org/feature/ai-d...

We released our first‑ever Annual Report, capturing how our 2025 policy, research and coalition‑building efforts are helping rebuild local reporting capacity across the country. A milestone for the movement and a foundation for what comes next. Learn more: www.rebuildlocalnews.org/rebuild-loca...

"Across 30 states, college reporters are covering statehouse journalism gaps — and the experience is changing their lives." Read more at @poynterinstitute.bsky.social: www.poynter.org/reporting-ed...

Media consolidation is reshaping the industry, affecting workers, consumers and communities. 📣 Join the @nwu.org on Monday (4/27) at 7 p.m. ET for a virtual panel on how we got here, what’s at stake and how we can build a more independent media ecosystem. Register: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

Missed our State Policy Playbook 2026 webinar for Local News Day?🗞️ The recording and recap are now available. The event covered the evolving state policy landscape and practical ways to engage lawmakers as momentum for strengthening local news builds. 🔗: www.rebuildlocalnews.org/state-policy...

This week, Policy Director @mattdpearce.com testified in support of @asmchrisward.bsky.social's Community NEWS Act (AB2222), which would create refundable tax credits to make it more affordable for California newsrooms to hire and retain journalists. 👇 Learn more below.

Maryland just made history. 🎉 Lawmakers unanimously passed the nation’s first state advertising set‑aside, 45–0, with bipartisan support. The bill directs 50% of state ad dollars to local newsrooms and adds new transparency to ad spending. It now awaits the governor's signature. 🔗 Link Below

Pennsylvania has lost 75% of its journalism jobs since 2002, and the recently announced closure of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette shows how local news capacity is disappearing. A Local News Day op-ed says revitalizing local media will require innovation, philanthropy and smart policy. 🔗 Link Below

Today we’re celebrating #LocalNewsDay — a national day of action reconnecting people with trusted local news that keeps communities informed, connected and accountable.

Tomorrow is the big day! Rebuild Local News and @journalists.org are co-hosting a webinar on the state policies shaping local news in 2026, along with practical guidance for newsroom leaders, journalists and media advocates on how to effectively engage with legislators. Register below:

Did you catch our March Newsletter? In last month's issue: 1️⃣ Utah enacted a first‑of‑its‑kind “sin tax” on Big Tech to support civic info 2️⃣ California introduced a local journalist employment tax credit 3️⃣ New Mexico launched the country’s largest investment in local reporting. Learn more below.

🔔 Funding Opportunity! 🔔 For its Knight Cities Challenge, the @knightfoundation.org is offering $5M in grants for creative ideas in its 26 communities that would strengthen local news, expand economic opportunity, or build connections through arts and culture. Have an idea? Learn more below.

Local News Day is one week away! 📣 Join Rebuild Local News + @journalists.org on Thursday, April 9 at 3:30 p.m. ET for a webinar on the leading policy models shaping support for community newsrooms in 2026, and how to engage state policymakers. Register Now: www.journalists.org/events/2026-...

Left #ONA26 energized. Our org — @rebuildlocalnews.bsky.social — was proud to sponsor and be part of the conversations shaping what’s next for local journalism. There’s a tangible energy right now around revitalizing newsrooms and strengthening communities’ access to essential information.

We’re thrilled to welcome the Oxford Free Press as our newest coalition member. Launched in 2024 by retired Miami University journalism professors and powered by local reporters, its arrival filled the void left by the closure of the nearly century‑old Oxford Press and is already making an impact.

Are you in Chicago for ONA26? Rebuild Local News is a proud sponsor with a booth this year. If you’re at the conference, stop by the Midway and say hello!

Today, @asmchrisward.bsky.social brought local officials, labor leaders, public media reps and news advocates together to spotlight two major efforts to strengthen local news, including the Community NEWS Act. Learn more below.

Our Local News Day event “2026 State Policy Playbook for newsrooms” offers leaders and journalists a practical overview of the local news policy landscape in 2026, paired with guidance on advocacy and messaging. RSVP: online-ne.ws/local-news-day

We’re excited to be a founding partner of the inaugural @localnewsday.bsky.social, which takes place on Thursday, April 9. This national day of action is all about reconnecting communities with the trusted local news that keeps people informed, engaged and connected.

Have you seen our monthly newsletter, The Press Advocate? It is a free resource that shares updates on state-led efforts to support local news, plus key industry developments and new research on the local news crisis. The March edition lands March 31. Sign up to stay informed: eepurl.com/g_kGnP

“ChatGPT, one of the most widely used [AI] models, covered distinctive content in 54% of responses but almost never credited the originating newsroom.” Read more at @niemanlab.org: www.niemanlab.org/2026/03/chat...

We’re hiring a Director of Government Affairs & Partnerships! If you’re strategic, politically savvy, and ready to help pass state laws that strengthen local news, we want to hear from you. 📣 Apply now: www.rebuildlocalnews.org/careers/care...

On March 17, Wisconsin Sen. Mark Spreitzer and Rep. @briennebrown.bsky.social introduced a package of local news bills designed to strengthen local reporting and ensure communities have access to trusted local news and information (More information below).

The UK has unveiled a new Local Media Strategy aimed at supporting community outlets, strengthening local news. The plan arrives amid rising concern over the dominance of big tech platforms and the BBC’s expanding footprint in local markets. www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/uk-news...

New Mexico just became the national leader in state support for local news. On March 11, @govmlg.bsky.social signed SB151 and HB2, a landmark package of bills delivering more than $25 million over five years to strengthen local journalism in the state.

Last week, Policy Manager @lorihenson.bsky.social urged Connecticut lawmakers to pass HB5343, a bill that would reveal how state agencies spend ad dollars and help local publishers be more competitive in the advertising marketplace. Learn more: www.rebuildlocalnews.org/rebuild-loca...

Did you miss our last newsletter? Our February edition covered major state-level efforts to support local news, including big moves in New Mexico, Illinois and New York, plus several other updates from across the country. Read the last edition: us17.campaign-archive.com?u=975d995a12...

Utah lawmakers have passed a bill proposed by Republican Governor Spencer Cox that would apply a fee to targeted advertising by major tech platforms to possibly support civic and social initiatives, including teen mental health, child literacy and “civic information programs."

Local news in New Mexico is at a crossroads. This week, Rebuild Local News President @stevenwaldman.bsky.social sent a letter to @govmlg.bsky.social, urging her to sign legislation to support local newsrooms and keep communities informed. Read more: www.rebuildlocalnews.org/rebuild-loca...

Policy Manager @lorihenson.bsky.social said, “This policy is being introduced not only in New Jersey, but in cities and states around the country ... It’s such a simple and clear‑cut way to steer public dollars back to communities and support the local outlets that keep people informed."

Policy Manager @lorihenson.bsky.social said, “This policy is being introduced not only in New Jersey, but in cities and states around the country ... It’s such a simple and clear‑cut way to steer public dollars back to communities and support the local outlets that keep people informed."

New Jersey Sen. @andrewzwicker.bsky.social introduced a bill, S3744, that would require state agencies to direct 30% of their advertising budgets to local news outlets. The model follows NYC’s approach, which has already directed $72 million to community and ethnic news organizations since 2020.

"An under-the-radar merger could create a broadcasting behemoth that controls local news stations across more than forty states." By @jonallsop.bsky.social at @newyorker.com: www.newyorker.com/news/the-led...

ICYMI: Maryland lawmakers introduced bills to require state agencies to spend at least 50% of ad budgets with local media. Instead of flowing to big tech, these dollars would strengthen local newsrooms and help ensure communities get vital info. Learn more: www.rebuildlocalnews.org/maryland-int...