Local reporters need you to make local news happen

If there is one thing I know from working in local news, it's that people want to consume news relevant to them before anything else. And as local journalists, it's our duty to deliver that sort of content to our viewers, listeners and readers. But we need your help.

In case you don't know a journalist firsthand or have any bearing on our evolving industry, there exists a great divide between the average newsroom's staffing and the news available to cover each day. But that does not mean we should give up on our endeavors to cover local stories before anything else. I have viewed the current news landscape as a favorable challenge. After all, we have no choice if newsrooms continue to shrink.

As a reporter, I enjoy knowing the community cares about the topic I am covering. That's why I believe issue-based reporting ought to be the first priority for local newsrooms. Here's why: Communities love and appreciate issue-based reporting. Remember how proximity is one of the aspects of proper news judgment? People want to know what, how and why something is relevant to them. Communities are left in the dark when local journalists fail to engage local governments and schools, those in power, and those who hold the future of people in their hands. Simply, issue-based reports help a community make sense of itself.

Click here for another take on local news and its importance.

Local news is never going to not be important. Journalists in Nashville highlighted that this week. Telling the stories of communities is so important – especially in the aftermath of tragedy. Local journalists live and associate with their communities. No network reporter boasts an honor like that. But for local news to be impactful and worthy of your attention, you've got to engage. Provide tips to reporters and newsrooms if you know something. It is impossible to know everything as a reporter. Some of my best stories have come from a community member's call, text or email. Good newsrooms are as good as the communities and people backing them. I will always stand behind that. We depend on community members to pitch stories our way or give us a tip to chase. That's how good reporting works.

Provide tips to reporters and newsrooms if you know something.

There exists an environment where newsmakers become familiar with never being asked the hard questions. And communities have become less likely to support reporters and instead support the establishment of government, those in power, etc. There's nothing wrong with supporting the latter groups but there is something wrong with discounting local journalists because you disagree with something worth reporting. That's how the news landscape has changed. Reporters aren't enemies of local communities.

So, what's the gist of all of this? Well, I believe if communities engaged with local journalists, we'd have a more favorable news product. Stop depending on public forums and Facebook groups to get answers. I also believe if reporters get back to chasing real stories with real impact, we'd have a product to bolster and be more proud of. In the same way that those who do not vote cannot reasonably complain, communities cannot afford to set back and idle while continuing to demand accountability. Local newsrooms must get back to pursuing the truth every single day. Our communities depend on us to uncover wrongdoing through our journalistic prowess before anything else. We are the aspect of our communities that demand accountability. We cannot forget that. Ever.

We must challenge our newsrooms to focus more on government bodies and power accountability. We must focus on civil matters and tracking stories for the public's greater good. And certainly, we must equip our rising reporters and other newsroom staff with the confidence necessary to engage with meaningful journalism. It's a tough business to ask hard questions, but it is so critical to our society's functioning. I am confident local newsrooms have the talent necessary to pursue stories that matter. If not, it sure can be developed. Journalism is a professional discipline and has a real impact.

Invest someway in local news. Get a newspaper subscription. Listen and watch the news. Provide tips to reporters and newsrooms if you know something. Local journalists are not out to get you or push some narrative. Rather, we're here to serve our communities with the same professionalism, grit and determination as any other person. Follow your local journalists on social media. Send them emails to encourage them. We need our communities to invest in us so we can invest in them. I firmly believe newsrooms need good communities to back them and good leaders to lead them.

From a local journalist, thank you to those who already do these things. I encourage you to just talk with a local reporter about something important to you. And reporters, react to those tips. Show your dedication by gearing up and tackling those stories important to your communities. We'll all be better off for it.

— B. Crain

Brennan Crain is a reporter based in southcentral Kentucky. Follow him on Twitter at @brennan_crain. He can be reached by email at brenn.crain@gmail.com.