Small daily or weekly newspapers, focusing on a single town or handful of municipalities have traditionally supplied hyperlocal news. But these outlets now produce less journalism as hedge fund-backed media companies have brought a slash-and-burn approach to pulling revenue out of papers in Philadelphia’s collar counties.
Meanwhile, dozens of new media startups like More Than The Curve have cropped up in Pennsylvania to try to fill gaps in coverage, either by topic or geography, while also battling the same financial challenges that have undercut the newspaper business.
WHYY recently asked listeners and readers how you get local news. Nearly three-dozen people responded from across Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Many described a dearth of information at the township or neighborhood level, depending on where they live.
“Local news coverage is just abysmal in the ‘burbs,” said Beth Zachai, of Easttown Township, who added that her area lacks local government and environmental coverage.
Other listeners said search engines and these new media startups are their go-to for local news and information.
When asked which topics deserve more coverage, respondents said: taxes, schools, infrastructure, environment, public policy, local politics, corruption, The Free Library, gentrification, campaign finance, housing, pipelines, and information about local candidates, as well as local businesses and events.
Essentially, all of the issues that would be covered by a more robust local news source.
“I know we’re not going to go back to one, little, tiny newspaper,” said Mitchell. “On the other hand, I wish there were still a way that there was once source everybody could look at. Then you could be sure everyone is getting a basic understanding together.”