@NorthwesternU R&D project combines digital innovation, audience insight & business strategy to elevate local news & empower citizens. Based at @MedillSchool

Joined August 2018
📍 Nearly 300 local news startups have emerged across the U.S. since 2022. But are they reaching the communities that need local news most? LNI’s Srishti Bose breaks down the trends in our latest State of Local News report: localnewsinitiative.northwes…
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What can local news organizations learn from each other? LNI’s Jennifer Kho highlights innovative ideas from Volume One and the San Francisco Chronicle, from community-building to creative events. Explore more in our Bright Spots series: localnewsinitiative.northwes…
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📰Illinois lost 30 newspapers in just over a year, more than any other state, leaving 15 counties without a local news source. Read this article by Brier Dudley on how closures are reshaping local news across Illinois. localnewsinitiative.northwes…
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Comscore data shows local news sites are facing another challenge: declining digital traffic, even as news deserts continue to grow. In this Q&A clip, we discuss what the numbers tell us about the future of local journalism. localnewsinitiative.northwes…
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America lost 170 newspapers in the past year, nearly 3 every week. Now 238 counties are news deserts and 47 million people have limited or no local news access. Read the full report here: localnewsinitiative.northwes…
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Happening this Wednesday! Join Perspectives and the Medill Local News Accelerator on Oct. 14 for a hands-on workshop and panel with Chicago public health experts. Last call for tickets! Register on Eventbrite here: eventbrite.com/e/tips-from-t…
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Medill Local News Initiative retweeted
“I was asked the other day if local journalism was boring, and I was like, ‘It may be boring, but it’s necessary.’” cjr.org/business_of_news/im-…
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The Medill Local News Accelerator invites journalists to join Perspectives on Oct. 14 for a hands-on workshop with Chicago public health experts. Learn strategies to engage skeptical audiences & build trust amid misinformation. Register here: eventbrite.com/e/tips-from-t…
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📊 Chicago-area local news habits are changing: Radio’s share of local news consumption fell from 34% to 25% in three years, while daily local TV usage dropped from 52% to 47%. Just 14% pay for local news. Read more: localnewsinitiative.northwes…
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AI vs Real Humans: Why Local Authenticity Wins Every Time. Full episode: localnewsinitiative.northwes…
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How is Chicago getting its news in 2026? 📱 Smartphones are increasingly dominant 📺 Local TV audiences are declining 🤖 Audiences remain skeptical of AI in news 👥 Young people are increasingly turning to content creators Read the Medill 2026 survey: localnewsinitiative.northwes…
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