Building Better Local News for Communities in Massachusetts - Media Power Collaborative

But despite the efforts of hardworking journalists and media workers across the state, relentless corporate consolidation, newsroom layoffs and an ever-changing digital landscape have damaged the commonwealth’s local-media system. Research shows that the growing information deficit is felt most acutely in rural communities, working-class communities, multilingual communities and communities of color.
That’s the bad news. The good news is that by bringing together media workers, local leaders and community members, we can push state lawmakers to support the kinds of local news and information that everyone needs to thrive. And in fact, this organizing has already begun — Free Press Action is working with media and community leaders across Massachusetts to advocate for major change in 2027: a bold investment in an independent, community-rooted local-media system that will serve our communities — and our democracy.
This is about more than keeping the industry afloat. It’s about giving our communities the information they need to stay empowered, connected and engaged in the face of growing challenges. Strong local reporting is linked to better governance, less corruption, greater civic engagement and stronger community trust. It’s time for lawmakers to invest in the local news and information their communities require to stay informed and engaged.
Like so many people across the country, Massachusetts residents face serious barriers to accessing reliable local news.
Free Press Action joined local newsroom leaders, journalists and community advocates for a local news lobby day in Massachusetts.
My notebook is filled with quotes and takeaways, and my camera roll offers proof that this state is indeed beautiful. The conversations were plentiful, and I wanted to share five lessons I learned.
A post shared by Free Press (@freepressaction)
A post shared by Free Press (@freepressaction)
A post shared by Free Press (@freepressaction)
A post shared by Free Press (@freepressaction)
“Editorial: Heading to Boston for Local News Day,”The Shoestring, April 9, 2026
“Burlington Buzz Heads to Beacon Hill for the Future of Community News,”Burlington Buzz, April 8, 2026
“Editorial: The Time is Right for Public Grantmaking for Mass Media,”The Shoestring, July 19, 2025
“Media Power: Massachusetts Needs a Public Fund for Local News and Civic Information,”Boston Compass, August–September 2025
“Opinión sobre el periodismo local: “Debemos apoyar la creación de un fondo que garantice que podamos contar las historias,”El Planeta, 6 de agosto de 2025
“Editorial: Public Grantmaking Can Help Mass Indy News Outlets Survive,”Boston Institute for Nonprofit Journalism, July 24, 2025
New Jersey Civic Information Consortium 2025 Impact Report
Local News for the People: A Policy Agenda for Meeting Civic-Information Needs
Want to be in community with others transforming media? Interested in how public policy shapes the media system, what’s happening in your state, and what you can do about it? Then sign up to receive Media Power Collaborative updates!
Contact Us | Privacy and CopyrightCoordinated by Free Press and Free Press Action | © 2026 | Logo credit: Designed by Joe Amditis