As local news faces mounting challenges, a new report spotlights reasons for optimism

To understand the state of local journalism in the United States, you have to start with the bad news. Local newspapers are shutting down, and many local television stations have just a few reporters who cover a handful of topics. Public stations are struggling to cover local news, with small staff numbers and taut financial support.

But in a report released Wednesday, legendary journalist Leonard Downie Jr. points to reasons for optimism — and plenty of good news.

“New owners and new forms of ownership and financing are strengthening some newspapers and their local news coverage,” he wrote. “Some network-owned television stations are expanding reporting about their local communities. Some public radio and television stations are collaborating on local and regional news coverage.”