Local News Study
A national study of 5,000 Americans on how they consume local news: who reads local newspapers, on which platforms, why they keep coming back, and what they want more of. The headline finding is the audience itself — bigger than almost anyone assumes.
The monthly audience: 218 million strong
Every month, 84% of American adults read local print or digital newspapers. The audience spans every platform — and the overlap between print and digital readers is the most engaged segment of all.
Every generation reads — and Millennials read most of all
The stereotype says newspaper readership skews old. The data says otherwise: readership exceeds 80% in every generation, and Millennials lead them all. The platform mix shifts by age — the audience doesn't.
Where the audience reads: every platform you publish on
Newspaper audiences don't live on one platform — they stack them. Websites lead digital readership, community papers lead print, and the smartphone is the single most common doorway to local newspaper content.
Local news is how Americans stay informed and connected
Asked why they seek out local news about their cities, counties, and communities, Americans gave answers that map directly to what local newspapers do best. Gen Z adds a reason all its own: to be a better citizen.
The most accurate and reliable source of local reporting
When Americans rank sources of original news reporting on community issues, local newspapers and their websites come out on top — ahead of local TV, far ahead of social media, and #1 with every adult generation 25 and up. Among the Silent Generation, newspapers lead at 46%; among rural Americans, 46%.
How readers want their newspaper delivered
Asked for the ideal ways to receive a local newspaper, readers described a modern product mix: a daily-updated website backed by alerts, social, and print. Older readers keep home delivery in their top three; younger readers put social media first — with the website right behind it.
Americans read public notices — and want them in newspapers, not government websites
When it comes to tax increases, zoning changes, and the business of local government, newspapers are where Americans look — and the study asked them directly to compare newspapers against state and city/county websites. It isn't close.
What readers want more of
The study asked Americans how newspapers could do an even better job delivering local news. Their answers are a roadmap for any newsroom.
Get in-depth interviews with people and organizations that are important to the community.
More stories about the local community and the events they are holding. You only get five seconds at the most on TV.
It could better inform me about things that are boosting the community and all the help people do to make the community better.
I wish that my local newspaper would publish more than once a week.
Research from America's Newspapers Foundation
The Foundation invests in national, independently conducted research so local newspapers have the data to make their case — in the boardroom, on the sales call, and in the statehouse. The Local News Study is part of that ongoing commitment.
Survey Methodology
The 2023 Local Newspaper Study was conducted by independent research firm Coda Ventures and made possible by America's Newspapers with the continued support of the Inland Press Foundation and the SNPA Foundation.
The national study measured local news consumption, newspaper readership across platforms, public notice readership, and consumer buying power across the U.S. adult population.