The Future of News in Virginia: Innovators Filling the Gaps in Local Journalism
Illustration generated by AI: Hezekiyah Baylor
Journalism is evolving.
Print newspapers are struggling to survive.
Local TV stations are being pushed to do more with fewer resources.
News deserts – communities with little to no access to credible local news – are expanding.
Pink-slime news outlets – online sites that masquerade as local news but often lack journalistic integrity and serve partisan agendas – are proliferating.
Thankfully, new nonprofit and startup news organizations in Virginia, led by experienced journalists, are stepping up to fill these gaps. They keep citizens informed and document important local stories.
The PRSA Richmond luncheon on Nov. 21, 2024, brought together a panel of future-focused journalists embracing fresh approaches, innovative methods and rich storytelling. The panel featured:
Michael Phillips, founding editor of The Richmonder
Luanne Rife, executive director of Cardinal News
Jayme Swain, president and CEO of VPM and the Virginia Foundation for Public Media
Charlotte Rene Woods, health and housing reporter with Virginia Mercury
These Virginia-based journalists are addressing shifting consumer preferences and pushing back against the budget constraints and staff reductions plaguing traditional media. Here are a few key takeaways.
For-Profit Newspapers Are Struggling
Many traditional newspapers have been acquired by hedge funds or corporations focused on short-term profits rather than community impact. This often leads to severe staff cuts and a focus on generic national content, leaving critical local stories untold. Some new outlets have emerged as a response to layoffs or forced retirements at larger organizations.
Nonprofit News Is Expanding
Outlets like Virginia Mercury provide free, accessible coverage of pressing issues such as healthcare and housing. Cardinal News relies on a mix of major donors and funding partners to cover underserved regions like Danville, Martinsville and Bristol.
Keeping Elected Officials Accountable
Local news outlets play a vital role in government transparency by attending city council meetings and reporting on decisions that impact communities. As Phillips with The Richmonder aptly stated, “Politicians behave differently when journalists are in the room.”
Trust and Media Literacy Are Essential
In an era of generative AI and widespread misinformation, discerning fact from fiction has become increasingly challenging. VPM emphasizes digital literacy to help audiences identify trustworthy sources. Woods with Virginia Mercury advised to, “Follow the money” when assessing news organizations.
Why News Deserts Are a Concern
There are 206 counties across the U.S. without any news source (up from 204 last year) and 1,561 counties with only one source, according to the 2024 State of Local News report by Northwestern University's Medill School. This means nearly 55 million Americans have limited or no access to local news. Without trustworthy local reporting, communities miss out on celebrations of joy, critical accountability and meaningful storytelling.
In addition to the outlets mentioned here, Henrico Citizen and Richmond BizSense, and niche outlets like Richmond Family Magazine are actively addressing coverage gaps in Virginia.
How You Can Help
Support local journalism by:
Subscribing: Support local outlets, especially nonprofit ones, to ensure critical stories are told.
Donating: Contribute to nonprofit news organizations or attend their events. Even small donations make a big impact.
Sharing (Responsibly): Read and share stories about your community to amplify their reach but verify the credibility of sources and educate others about media literacy.
Mentoring: Participate in programs that train and mentor young journalists, fostering diverse voices in newsrooms.
Pitching: Highlight untold stories by engaging with journalists in your area.