Erosion of Local News Weakening Community Bonds and Civic Engagement Across Canada
A comprehensive new report from the Public Policy Forum (PPF) think tank reveals a deepening crisis in local journalism across Canada, with far-reaching consequences for community cohesion and democratic participation. Titled "The Lost Estate: How to put the local back in local news," the report underscores the vital role of local news outlets in informing citizens about local governance, public services like schools and hospitals, and fostering a sense of shared identity. Years of declining advertising revenue, shifts in media ownership models, and the rise of online platforms have decimated local newsrooms, leaving a void increasingly filled by national narratives and the often-unverified information circulating on social media.
The report’s findings are based on a combination of in-depth research and an Ipsos poll of over 1,000 Canadians residing in communities with populations under 100,000, half of whom live in towns with fewer than 10,000 residents. The poll, conducted in January 2025, reveals a strong public recognition of the importance of local news, with 87% of respondents affirming its crucial role in a functioning democracy. A significant majority, 61%, also agreed that diminished local news coverage directly correlates with reduced knowledge about local government, schools, and hospitals, hindering effective citizen engagement. Furthermore, 58% believe that the decline in local news contributes to a weakening of community ties and a sense of belonging.
The stark reality of shrinking local news landscapes is further substantiated by data from a Toronto Metropolitan University research project, which documented the closure of 252 local news outlets since 2008, including 24 in the past two years alone. This alarming trend highlights the fragility of local news ecosystems and the urgent need for intervention to reverse this decline. The report emphasizes the link between the erosion of local news and a growing sense of alienation and distrust, both within communities and towards institutions. This erosion fosters an environment where misinformation can thrive, exacerbating existing societal divisions.
However, amidst this concerning landscape, glimmers of innovation and resilience emerge. The report acknowledges a burgeoning “ecosystem” of digital startups, like Village Media, that are attempting to fill the information gap. Village Media, originating in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, has expanded to over two dozen digital properties across the province, demonstrating the potential for digitally-focused local news initiatives. Despite these positive developments, the report stresses that sustainable funding remains a critical challenge. The current reliance on advertising revenue and limited public funding is insufficient to support the revitalization of local journalism.
To address this critical issue, the report advocates for a multi-pronged approach involving diverse funding sources. The authors propose tax incentives to encourage local businesses to invest in local media advertising, thereby strengthening the financial viability of local news organizations. They also call for increased philanthropic support from local foundations and individual donors, recognizing the crucial role of community investment in sustaining public services like local journalism. Furthermore, the report suggests exploring the establishment of a non-profit organization specifically designed to fund local reporters for three-year terms, providing a stable platform for investigative and in-depth reporting.
Beyond direct funding, the report recommends leveraging existing public resources more effectively. It proposes allocating a portion of government advertising budgets to local media, thereby directly supporting their operations while ensuring wider dissemination of public information. The authors also advocate for greater involvement of community and private foundations, arguing that supporting local news aligns with their broader missions of fostering community health and strengthening local democracy. Expanding the Local Journalism Initiative, currently supported by federal funds, to include philanthropic donations and independent governance is another key recommendation.
The report concludes by highlighting the dangerous consequences of allowing local news deserts to persist. The vacuum left by declining local outlets is often filled by national news, which the report notes can be "typically more divisive," or by social media platforms, where factual accuracy is frequently compromised. Andrew Phillips, co-author of the report and a veteran journalist, emphasizes the corrosive impact of this trend on public trust in news overall. He argues that strong local news serves as a crucial antidote to cynicism and misinformation, providing citizens with the reliable information they need to engage effectively in their communities. The report ultimately calls for a collective effort involving readers, businesses, philanthropic organizations, and government to ensure the survival and revitalization of local news, recognizing its essential role in fostering informed, engaged, and cohesive communities. It underscores the urgency of acting now to safeguard this critical pillar of democracy.