Connecting Communities
Rural newsrooms are not just providers of information; they are central to the health of their communities. They tell the stories that matter most to their audiences, from local government decisions and school board meetings to human interest stories and local events.
They help build a sense of shared identity and trust. In short, when rural newsrooms are strong, communities are informed, engaged, and connected.
Research confirms a large majority of Americans (85%) say local news outlets are at least somewhat important to the well-being of their local community (Pew Knight Initiative, 2024). Additionally, residents still see value in local news and feel they are doing a good job. In fact, 7 in 10 Americans believe local journalists report news accurately and cover the most important stories and issues.
But perhaps most encouraging of all, research proves most Americans (69%) think local journalists are in touch with their communities. Specifically, this sentiment has increased by six percentage points since 2018, showing rising trust with local news.
The Western Iowa Journalism Foundation firmly believes that community journalism is a public good, regardless of the business model. Because local news outlets have consistently proven to be Americans’ most trusted news sources, philanthropic efforts must be directed toward reshaping newsrooms in Iowa so all residents have better access to vital information and civic and community engagement opportunities.