U.S. Newspaper Closures Accelerate in 2023, Digital News Sites Show Growth
The rate of newspaper closures in the United States continued to climb in 2023, with more than two publications shutting down each week, according to a recent report from the Medill Local News Initiative at Northwestern University. The study revealed that 127 newspapers ceased operations last year, while the digital news landscape saw a net gain of 81 sites.
The local news industry continues to grapple with significant challenges as advertisers and readers increasingly shift away from traditional print media. Since 2005, over 3,200 newspapers have closed their doors, leaving approximately 5,600 still in operation. The past year alone saw nearly 2,000 newsroom jobs eliminated, further highlighting the ongoing crisis in local journalism.
Several long-standing publications were among those that closed in 2023. The Hinton Times in Iowa ended its 28-year run due to the owners’ retirement, while the Northland Press in Minnesota ceased publication following the publisher’s death. In North Dakota, the Tioga Tribune closed its doors as the editor left town.
Despite the grim outlook for print media, digital news sites have shown some promise. The report indicates that 90% of new digital outlets are concentrated in metropolitan areas. Notable examples include Block Club Chicago, The TRiiBE, and Cicero Independiente, which aim to provide coverage to communities that have experienced reduced attention from larger news organizations.
However, the need for local news remains particularly acute in rural areas. Medill’s “watch list” now includes 279 counties at risk of losing local news coverage, a 22% increase from the previous year.
The newspaper industry also saw an uptick in ownership changes, with 258 publications changing hands in 2023, compared to 180 the year before. Smaller companies, such as Carpenter Media Group, have become increasingly active in acquisitions.
As the industry continues to evolve, more digital start-ups are opting for nonprofit status, which eliminates printing and distribution costs while offering greater flexibility in funding sources. This trend may provide a potential path forward for local news coverage in an increasingly challenging media landscape.
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