Research from Lenfest Institute, Danny Hayes explores how five AJP-supported statewide news organizations are growing and engaging audiences
What happens when communities have access to trusted, high-quality local journalism? New research suggests readers become better informed about local issues and more likely to participate in civic life.
A recent study from The Lenfest Institute, conducted by George Washington University professor Danny Hayes, examined the impact of five statewide nonprofit news organizations: Mountain State Spotlight, Spotlight PA, The Colorado Sun, The Nevada Independent and Mississippi Today. All are part of the American Journalism Project’s portfolio and have become important sources of accountability reporting and civic information in their states. They also participate in Lenfest’s Statewide News Collective (SNC) community of practice.
At a time when many local news organizations are struggling to grow and engage audiences, the research found that these statewide nonprofit newsrooms have expanded their reach significantly, with between 20% and 36% of residents in each state reporting that they get news from their state’s nonprofit outlet at least occasionally.
Building on earlier research, the study found that readers of these outlets are more knowledgeable about government, elections and local affairs than non-readers. They are also more likely to engage in civic activities, from signing petitions and attending public meetings to participating in protests or even considering a run for office.
Among the study’s key findings:
- Roughly three-quarters of readers view these organizations as trustworthy sources of news and information.
- Readers are generally better informed about local affairs and civic issues than non-readers.
- Readers are more likely to participate in civic and community activities.
- Up to half of readers could recall a story that affected them personally, often by increasing awareness, creating emotional engagement or motivating action.
The findings highlight the role that nonprofit local journalism can play in strengthening civic life. Readers are becoming more informed and are using that information to better understand their communities and make decisions about how to engage in public affairs.
As Hayes wrote in the report, “Reach matters, but so does the quality of attention readers bring to this journalism and what they do with it afterward.” The study suggests these portfolio newsrooms are achieving both, earning trust while producing reporting that informs and motivates readers.
This post was authored by Mark Glaser for the American Journalism Project.
