Local News Website & Digital Journalism

Local news websites fill gaps left by declining traditional newspapers, covering community news, local government, schools, and events.

With local news declining nationally and communities needing coverage, successful sites generate revenue of $75,000-$280,000 annually with profit margins of 30-45% through advertising, memberships, and events.

The business requires journalism skills, website platform, reporting staff or contributors, and ad sales capability.

Revenue comes from display advertising, sponsored content, reader memberships/subscriptions, event sponsorships, and email newsletter advertising.

Typical advertising rates $5-$25 CPM for pageviews, memberships $5-$15/month.

Success factors include consistent quality reporting, community trust, breaking local news, building loyal readership, and effective monetization balance.

Most sites start with founder reporting and add contributors as revenue grows.

The business requires commitment to journalism ethics and community service while building sustainable business.

SEO and social media critical for reaching readers.

Marketing focuses on social media, community engagement, email newsletters, and becoming essential local information source.

With local news deserts growing and communities needing journalism in 2025, local news sites offer mission-driven opportunities for journalists willing to build new media business models serving underserved communities.