A New Chapter for Local News
Across the country, a transformation is underway. While headlines dwell on the decline of local news, newsrooms are rewriting the story by reimagining how local news can serve, inform, and connect our communities.
Reimagining Local News is a documentary series featuring journalist and author Charles Blow, spotlighting the people and models driving this revival. Through a powerful series of short documentaries, this project reveals what’s working and how solutions are at our fingertips.
Episode 1: Reimagining Local News
How new efforts and leaders are writing the story for local news
“It’s Like When You Don’t Have Water: You Really Can’t Live.”
Follow Charles Blow across the country as he interviews local newsrooms, innovative start-ups, and community leaders who are finding solutions that work.
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Episode 2: Reformation
The Reformation of Local News and the View From Chicago
“Being in the Neighborhoods Is Really Our Bread and Butter”
When a Chicago news site was abruptly shut down, its journalists didn’t walk away—they built something better. This episode follows Block Club Chicago co-founder Jen Sabella and other community-first innovators redefining what local news can be in Chicago.
Episode 3: Public Policy
Public Policy and the Future of Local News
“One of the Pieces of the Puzzle Has to Be Public Policy”
Philanthropy can’t solve this challenge alone. Local news advocate Steve Waldman and others argue that public policy is essential to resilient local news and highlights how states across the U.S. are already investing millions to rebuild community reporting from the ground up.
Episode 4: Underrepresented Groups
Elevating the Voices of Underrepresented Groups
“Our Community Has Been Underserved”
Follow the story of Conecta Arizona and Capital B, two journalism start-ups that were founded to fill critical gaps in local news coverage for Spanish-speaking and Black communities. Both emerged during times of crisis, driven by a lack of culturally relevant and trustworthy information. These outlets offer powerful models for inclusive, community-centered journalism.
Episode 5: A Community Takes the Lead
Support for Local News Grows at the Community Level
“Getting a Community Organized to Address a Big Void”
By focusing on collaboration over consolidation, Colorado has become a national model for supporting local news. Discover the Colorado Media Project, a statewide initiative that unites journalists, philanthropists, civic leaders, and communities to build a more resilient and inclusive local news ecosystem.
Episode 6: College Newsrooms
College Newsrooms Filling the Gap
“Student Reporting Operations Are Emerging as a Viable Answer”
University-based journalism programs are emerging as a powerful response to the decline of local news, filling critical gaps in underserved communities. Led by initiatives like the University of Vermont’s Center for Community News, these programs pair students with professional outlets to produce real-time, community-focused reporting.