Tim Franklin on local news’ historic transformation

Local news is losing more than two newspapers a week—but that is only one side of the industry’s story.Tim Franklin, professor and John M. Mutz Chair in Local News at Northwestern University’s Medill School, says local journalism is experiencing both troubling decline and encouraging growth. Digital-only publications, local news networks and independent content creators are emerging as the industry searches for sustainable ways to serve communities.Franklin joins Keep It Local host Ryan Welton at Local Media Fest 2026 in Chicago to discuss what he calls the greatest transformation in local news since the penny press of the 1830s.The conversation explores the civic and economic consequences of news deserts, the urgency of experimentation and the need for news organizations to reach audiences through platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp and text messaging.Franklin also explains why strong local sports coverage can attract audiences, build community and drive subscriptions or memberships. And as a former Chicago Tribune sports editor, he offers an insider’s perspective on the Cubs-White Sox rivalry.Franklin is the founding director of the Medill Local News Initiative, which conducts the State of Local News Project and supports news organizations through research, acceleration, leadership training and other programs designed to strengthen local journalism.Learn more at localnewsinitiative.northwestern.edu.Keep It Local is a podcast from Local Media Association. If you'd like to be a guest on an episode or to sponsor the podcast, reach out to Lindsey Estes ([email protected]) and Ryan Welton ([email protected]).