5 Questions: Kimberly Spencer on Why Local News Day Matters

Reliable local journalism rarely receives the spotlight until it disappears. Yet reporters covering school boards, city councils and neighborhood issues form the backbone of how communities understand themselves. As newsrooms across the country face shrinking budgets and growing misinformation, advocates are working to remind the public that local journalism is not just another industry but a critical component of civic infrastructure.

That effort is at the heart of Local News Day, a national initiative supported by Press Forward and promoted locally by the Colorado Media Project. The day encourages residents to connect with trusted local outlets, recognize the role journalists play in democratic life and explore new ways to support sustainable news ecosystems.

In this week’s 5 Questions, executive director of the Colorado Media Project Kimberly Spencer reflects on why the initiative matters now, what’s at stake if local news disappears and how communities can help strengthen the information networks they rely on. Spencer also appeared on the April episode of Bucket List‘s radio show to dig deeper into Local News Day. Click here to listen, and then join us for our free Local News Day event at the Denver Press Club on April 9.

Why did Press Forward get behind Local News Day and why does it matter to you personally?

Press Forward is a national network working to strengthen local news because strong communities and strong local news go hand in hand. Research shows that 96% of Americans agree that local news strengthens their community. This initiative was created to translate that shared value into tangible, sustainable action.

Personally, this matters to me as I raise my children. I want them to grow up in a world where they have the agency to navigate their own lives based on facts, not speculation. I am passionate about ensuring that all communities, especially those in rural and traditionally underserved areas, have the critical news and information required to make decisions for themselves, their families, and their neighborhoods. In a country divided and plagued by misinformation, access to vetted information is a tool for safety and self-defense.

Why do we need a day of action connecting communities with trusted local news?

A day of action acts as a civic reset. While 93% of Americans believe reliable local news is necessary for democracy, there is often a disconnect between that belief and how we support our information infrastructure. We need this moment because:

• Linguistic Diversity: Colorado is a linguistically diverse state, and every resident deserves access to information in the language they understand and trust.
• Safety for Our Neighbors: For our immigrant neighbors, access to news is a vital shield. With people being deported at alarming rates, including those in the country legally, verified information is essential to help families stay safe and understand their rights.
• Pushing Back Against Corruption: Trusted local information is the only way for residents to effectively advocate for policy change and push back against corruption.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing local news today?

The hurdles we face are systemic and require us to rethink how news functions as a public resource.

• The Revenue Crisis: The traditional business model has eroded as advertisers have moved to global online platforms, leaving newsrooms underfunded.
• The Social Media Illusion: Many people turn to social media for local updates, but social platforms do not create news; they are merely channels for exchange. They lack the professional editorial rigor needed to verify facts and hold leaders accountable.
• Information Patchworks: We are seeing a rise in “patchworks” of information that lack the depth and community connection of dedicated local outlets.

What would be missing in our communities if trustworthy local news went away?

If we lose local news, the “watchdog” that 90% of Americans value would disappear. The void would lead to:

• Unchecked Institutions: There would be no independent source keeping an eye on city councils, school boards, or police departments.
• Loss of Accountability: This loss hits our ethnic communities and immigrant neighbors the hardest, as systemic injustices could flourish without any public record or oversight.
• Fragmented Reality: Without a shared foundation of local facts, communities lose the “connective tissue” that helps them solve challenges together.

What can communities do to support local news and meet the moment?

Local news is a public good, much like sidewalks and streetlights. To meet this moment, we must shift from being consumers to being active investors in our civic infrastructure.

• Support Directly: If you have a local reporter you like, share their stories within your networks. If there is a local outlet you trust, support them directly through a subscription or donation.
• Advocate for Sustainability: 89% of people agree it is important to find new ways to fund local news. We must move toward a diversified support system that includes residents, businesses, and organizations.
• Recognize the Power of Information: Treat your local newsroom as an essential resource for making smart choices and staying informed about the issues that impact your home and work.

By standing behind local news, we are securing a future where information is accessible, safety is prioritized, and power stays with the community.