The State of Local News 2024 report produced by the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University highlights the ongoing crisis in local news across the United States. Despite some positive developments, the overall trend remains concerning, with an average of two newspapers closing each week.

Since 2005, the country has lost more than a quarter of its newspapers. In 2023 alone, more than 130 newspapers ceased operations.

The report identifies 204 counties without a local newspaper, and 1,562 counties with only one newspaper, typically a weekly publication. This leaves over half of all U.S. counties with limited access to local news.

While there has been growth in digital-only local news sites, with more than 550 sites launched since 2019, these efforts have not fully offset the loss of traditional newspapers.

The financial struggles of local news outlets persist, with advertising revenue continuing to decline. This has led to further job losses in newsrooms.

The report emphasizes the crucial role of local news in supporting democracy and community engagement. The decline in local news coverage is linked to decreased voter participation and increased political polarization.

Despite the challenges, the report notes some encouraging trends:

– Increased philanthropic support for local news initiatives
– Growing public awareness of the importance of local journalism
– Emergence of new business models and collaborations in the local news ecosystem

The report concludes by stressing the urgent need for action to address the local news crisis and its implications for the health of local communities and American democracy.

Read the full report

After nearly 40 years at the Vermont Community Newspaper Group, Greg Popa is retiring from the newspapers at the end of the year.

For the past 12 years, Greg has served as publisher and editor of the newspaper company, which includes five newspapers — The Stowe Reporter, News and Citizen, Shelburne News, The Citizen and The Other Paper of South Burlington — and their associated websites, Stowe Weddings, and Stowe magazine.

Greg will continue to edit and publish Stowe magazine. Tommy Gardner, the current news editor, will replace Greg as editor of Vermont Community Newspaper Group’s five community weeklies.

During his tenure as publisher, he oversaw the acquisition of the News & Citizen and the three weeklies in Chittenden County. He was inducted into the New England Newspaper and Press Association Hall of Fame in 2022.

Read the full story

The annual Better Newspaper Contest is back, providing a fantastic opportunity for journalists, photographers, editors, and publications to showcase their best work from the past year. Whether you’re a seasoned NENPA member or considering joining, this contest is a chance to gain regional recognition and celebrate the dedication that fuels New England journalism.

Important Notice for New and Past Entrants:
If you’ve entered in the past, please note that you must register again for this year’s contest, as the system does not save information from previous years. If you are a new NENPA member and cannot find your publication in the system, please email info@nenpa.com and we will add your publication to the database.

Not yet a NENPA member? There’s still time to join and participate!

Why Enter? Participation in the Better Newspaper Contest brings many advantages, including:
– Industry Recognition: Get your work in front of leading professionals in the field and showcase the exceptional contributions made by your team.
– Boost Team Morale: Highlighting your publication’s achievements is a great way to motivate and inspire your team, recognizing the hard work and creativity that goes into every issue.
– Network and Learn: Join your peers in celebrating excellence, and gain insights and inspiration from the best practices showcased by the winners.

How to Enter:
The contest covers a wide range of categories in three divisions, from editorial and photography to design, special sections, online content, and advertising and promotion. To ensure your work gets the attention it deserves, make sure to review the contest categories and criteria carefully.

Download the information packets and you will find all of the information necessary to prepare your entries, including a list of competitive categories, complete rules and guidelines, and the criteria that each contest category will be judged upon.

You can find additional information on preparing entries – such as how to make PDF files smaller, extract particular pages, and combine several PDF files – in the Frequently Asked Questions page at the end of this packet.

• Editorial/Multimedia/Photography Division – Download Information
• Advertising/Circulation/Promotion Division – Download Information
• College/University Division – Download Information

Submission Details:
– Deadline for entries: Friday, November 15, 2024
– How to submit: Competition Website

Don’t Miss Out!
This is a prime opportunity to reflect on the impact your publication has made and to present your best stories, features, and designs to a panel of distinguished judges. The winners will be celebrated at NENPA’s annual convention, where the best of New England journalism will take center stage.

So whether you’re a long-time participant or new to NENPA, don’t miss your chance to compete in this year’s Better Newspaper Contest. Register now, and good luck to all entrants!

Two hundred and five small local news outlets, one in every U.S. state, including 18 in New England will receive a share of $20 million to close persistent coverage gaps in their communities, thanks to funding from Press Forward, the nationwide movement to strengthen communities by reinvigorating local news.

Motivated by the extraordinary quality and number of proposals, Press Forward is funding twice as many news organizations as it anticipated initially through its first open call. The recipients, the majority receiving $100,000 in general operating support, were selected from a total of 931 proposals from newsrooms with annual budgets of less than $1 million.

The grant recipients are a bright mosaic of independent, non-partisan sources reimagining what local news looks like across America.

The public can join in supporting local newsrooms across the country by donating to the Press Forward Pooled Fund. Every dollar, up to $5 million, will be matched to support local newsrooms across the U.S. Learn more at pressforward.news/grantees or through the list below of New England publications that were selected.

Connecticut

Easton Courier Community Journalism Project
The Easton Courier Community Journalism Project provides high-quality local news coverage that builds trust and credibility within communities through timely, accurate, and substantive coverage of local politics, education, culture, and events. It is committed to educating and training the next generation of ethical journalists.

The Hartford Times
The Hartford Times provides historically underrepresented voices access to democracy while promoting community-driven narratives and multigenerational solutions. Its goal is to improve Connecticut’s access to information and connectivity to provide its communities with consistent solutions, inspiration, and purpose.

Maine

Amjambo Africa
Amjambo Africa educates its readers in Maine about Africa and immigration, advocating for the well-being of all immigrants through various multimedia platforms and events and raising awareness about the scope of the conflicts in Africa and why refugees and asylum seekers have left their countries in such numbers to come to Maine.

The Maine Monitor
The Maine Monitor delivers fearless, independent, citizen-supported, nonpartisan journalism that informs Mainers about the issues impacting their state and inspires them to take action. Through investigative and in-depth stories, it engages readers to participate and connect to create a better Maine.

Midcoast Villager (Belfast Villager)
Midcoast Villager (Belfast Villager) tells the story of Midcoast Maine, igniting conversations, sparking discovery, and bringing the community together to help make it a better place for everyone.

Midcoast Villager (Rockland Villager)
Midcoast Villager (Rockland Villager) tells the story of Midcoast Maine, igniting conversations, sparking discovery, and bringing the community together to help make it a better place for everyone.

Penobscot Bay Press
Penobscot Bay Press provides information products and services to the communities it serves with news of governmental, civic, business, and educational institutions; coverage of social doings and in-depth looks at individuals and events; notifications of meetings and happenings; and opinions of staff and others on the important issues and problems facing its communities.

Sunlight Media Collective
Sunlight Media Collective is an organization of Indigenous and non-Indigenous media makers and activists, including Wabanaki citizens, working to document and present stories affecting Wabanaki people and highlighting Wabanaki perspectives, with a particular emphasis on the intersection between environmental issues and Indigenous rights.

Massachusetts

Anchor Media, LLC
Anchor Media helps residents in Hingham, Mass., stay informed through hyperlocal journalism in order to create a more aware and connected community.

Boston Institute for Nonprofit Journalism
The Boston Institute for Nonprofit Journalism (BINJ) supports the development and production of independent news reporting in Massachusetts. BINJ provides organizational support to community publications, runs reporting collaborations and civic engagement initiatives, trains new and early-career journalists, and produces bold, independent journalism.

The Boston Korea
The Boston Korea serves the Korean American community in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Since its establishment in 2005, it has been a pivotal source of news and information, dedicated to addressing the needs and interests of this community.

Dorchester Reporter
Dorchester Reporter is a family-owned and operated community news organization committed to delivering high-quality journalism to the people of Boston’s neighborhoods with a focus on traditionally underserved communities in Dorchester and Mattapan since 1983.

El Planeta
El Planeta empowers, informs, and connects the vibrant Hispanic community of Greater Boston. As the largest Spanish-language news provider in the state, it is dedicated to delivering timely, relevant, and impactful news and information. More than just a newspaper, El Planeta is a community advocate and a cultural bridge that enriches the lives of Hispanic individuals and families throughout Massachusetts.

The Scope
The Scope is a hyperlocal digital news organization focused on telling stories of justice, hope, and resilience in Greater Boston. It is editorially independent and operated by Northeastern University’s School of Journalism and Media Innovation to serve the news needs of under-covered communities, train the next generation of journalists in covering local news, and empower community members to tell their own stories.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire Center for Public Interest Journalism
New Hampshire Center for Public Interest Journalism, publisher of INDepthNH.org. InDepthNH.org, gives a voice to marginalized people, places, and ideas, demonstrating its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by the stories and columns it publishes.

Rhode Island

ecoRI News
ecoRI News is dedicated to reporting on environmental and social justice issues in Rhode Island. Through its reporting, ecoRI creates a more informed public and provides individuals with the information they need to be better stewards of their environment.

The Providence Eye
The Providence Eye is a nonprofit journalistic initiative devoted to informing and empowering the public about events and issues of concern to residents and visitors of Providence, R.I., and its environs.

Vermont

Vermont Independent Media/The Commons
Vermont Independent Media is founded on the belief that independent journalism is critical for the functioning of democracy and is the lifeblood of the community.

This is a call for nominations for the prestigious Yankee Quill Award. For more than 60 years the New England Academy of Journalists has been honoring our region’s most extraordinary journalists for their contributions to a free press and their efforts to improve the communities they serve with the Yankee Quill Award.

Other journalism associations bestow awards for individual and team accomplishments. The Yankee Quill recognizes the lifetime achievement of those who have had a broad influence for good, both inside and outside the newsroom. This award is not designed as a primary writing award but for long-term good provided to journalism across New England.

The Academy, comprised of all Quill winners and representatives of various New England journalism organizations, gathers annually under the auspices of the New England Society of News Editors Foundation to select the honorees. Winners are chosen from nominees representing newspapers, broadcasting, academia, and other communication forms that meet the test of journalism.

The 2024 honorees were:

• George Brennan
• Ellen Clegg
• Izaskun Larrañeta
• Edward Miller
• Mark Pothier

The link to the nomination form can be found by clicking here.

The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, October 25, 2024.

Nominations may be emailed to quill@nenpa.com or hard copies may be mailed to:
Yankee Quill
c/o NENPA
PO Box 2505
Woburn MA 01801

For further information contact:
Richard Lodge, Academy Chair, Richardklodge@gmail.com
Linda Conway, Academy Clerk, l.conway@nenpa.com

At a Massachusetts Newspaper Publishers Association event on October 1, 2024, held at The Boston Globe, Senator Elizabeth Warren spoke passionately about the importance of preserving local journalism and addressing the growing power of tech monopolies. Warren reflected on the foundational principles of America, emphasizing the significance of checks and balances to prevent the rise of centralized control. She drew parallels between those principles and the current state of the news industry, where digital giants like Meta and Google dominate content distribution.

Warren described the tech companies’ control over news distribution as a modern-day “newsboy” system, but with a twist—today’s “newsboys” wield monopolistic power. “Instead of printing and distributing papers independently, news outlets now face a duopoly in order to get their content out,” she remarked. She underscored the economic strain on local news, citing estimates that the industry is owed between $10 to $13 billion annually for its content, for which it receives little compensation.

Warren warned that the continued closure of local newspapers is not just an economic problem but a threat to democracy. However, she expressed hope, stating that the solutions are clear: stronger enforcement of antitrust laws and breaking up tech monopolies. “We know how to fix this,” Warren said, calling for action to restore competition and protect the future of local journalism.

We’re excited to announce that the Boston Association of Black Journalists, the New England chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association, and the New England chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists will co-sponsor the New England Society of News Editors’ upcoming after-work party!

Mark your calendars for October 8, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Tiki Rock (2 Broad St., Boston).

This FREE event is open to all media professionals. There will be a cash bar and some discounted appetizers, perfect for any reporter’s budget!

This will be a fantastic opportunity to network and connect with journalists from various news organizations. Spread the word to your colleagues and join us for a fun evening!

Please RSVP to emily.sweeney@globe.com.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

2024 marks the 84th celebration of National Newspaper Week. Since 1940, Newspaper Association Managers has sponsored and supported National Newspaper Week, a week-long promotion of the newspaper industry in the United States and Canada.

As we prepare to celebrate 2024 National Newspaper Week, we find ourselves reflecting on the unique role newspapers play in our communities. This year, we are inviting you—the publishers, editors, and journalists who make up the heart of our industry—to share your stories about why you are in the newspaper business.

Every one of us has a story about what led us to this profession. Maybe it was the thrill of chasing a breaking news story, the joy of telling the untold tales of our community, or the drive to hold the powerful accountable. These are the stories that define us, inspire us, and keep us committed to the work we do every day.

We are asking you to take a moment to reflect and share your journey. Why did you choose this path? What keeps you motivated through the challenges? What impact have you seen your work have on the community? By sharing our experiences, we can celebrate the vital role that newspapers continue to play in our society.

Use this National Newspaper Week as an opportunity to remind your readers—and yourselves—why journalism matters. Whether it’s a personal essay, a column, or a special feature, let’s come together to highlight the passion, dedication, and resilience that drive us. Share your story with your readers and join the conversation using the hashtag #TellingOurStories2024.

Our voices are powerful, and our stories are worth telling. Let’s celebrate what it means to be a part of the newspaper business and inspire the next generation of journalists to carry the torch forward.

Thank you for your dedication to the truth, and for the stories you tell every day.

Below you will find promotional print ads, social media ads, web ads, guest columns and editorial cartoons, all available for download at no charge to daily and non-daily newspapers across North America.

PLAN TO CELEBRATE National Newspaper Week by downloading these materials and devoting as many column inches as possible to reinforce the importance of your newspaper to your communities, and also by sharing the message on your social media platforms over the course of the week.

MAKE IT LOCAL by editorializing about your newspaper’s unique relevance. This can be about your duties as government watchdog, your coverage of community events, publication of timely public notices, etc.

Thank you for supporting National Newspaper Week. You already know there is power in association. And the same principle holds when associations like ours band together to provide even greater impact — both directly to newspaper members locally and collectively to the overall industry nationwide.

DOWNLOAD/VIEW ALL OF THE 2024 NATIONAL NEWSPAPER WEEK DELIVERABLES HERE