Arts & Culture
The Role of Local Media in Shaping Community Identity and Belonging
Quick fact
When a local newspaper closes, residents lose not just a news source but a key vehicle for shared identity—studies show that communities with a stronger local press report higher levels of social belonging and trust.
Why this is interesting
You’ve probably never thought about it, but the local paper you skim or the community radio you hear in the car are quietly telling you who you are. How do these familiar reports turn a collection of strangers into a 'we'?