Nearly three years ago, Microsoft launched a journalism initiative to explore ways in which we could help address the growing crisis facing independent local news organizations and preserve and protect journalism. The crisis is well documented, there are now over 2,500 communities that have lost their local newspapers, with many more relying on “ghost newspapers” that provide little or no local coverage. The number of newspaper newsroom staff per 100,000 people living in the U.S. has declined 62%, and the number of reporters per $100 million in local government spending has fallen 67%.
As part of our work to address this crisis and turn the tide in favor of more successful and sustainable local newsrooms, today we are announcing the release of a comprehensive guidebook focused on giving independent local news organizations the strategies, tools and support they need to strengthen their sustainability.
