Local news is something that is more important than people may think. It is important because people know what is going on in the area around them. There are several different ways to find local news such as newspapers, online newspapers and news networks, TV, radio, and social media.
According to the Pew Research Center, 17% of people prefer the traditional local newspaper, 38% prefer to get their news from a local television station, and 20% of people rely on getting news from a local radio station. The fact of the matter is, it does not really matter what news source people use, if they are using something that keeps them informed, but these statistics can help Journalists reach consumers easer and faster.
During a worldwide pandemic, it is even more important for people to stay tuned to their local news outlets to keep up to date with what their area is doing during the pandemic. With social distancing and all the other restrictions that are set, people cannot simply always go outside to see what is happening. That is when local news outlets come in handy, providing easy access news for their area to keep them informed and safe.
There is no doubt that there are people are tired of hearing the news because it seems like it is the same thing over and over: riots, COVID-19, BLM, voter fraud, etc. When these things are on the news for so long, people get fed up with it all and try to block it out. This is perfectly fine, but I feel like here and there people still need to be informed if anything new and important arises.
Not only is it important to be in-tune with local Journalism, but it is also important for journalists to give people the news they need.
A journalist having a connection with the local community is the best way for journalists to get the news to locals using sources within the community. Trust in the media is something that not many people have, which is why it is vital that credible journalists keep their credibility by being honest with their sources and producing news that people know they can trust.