Pennsylvania: Investing in Trusted Local News and Informed Communities - Media Power Collaborative

For years, communities have relied on local news outlets to learn what was happening around them—developments in local and state government, new businesses opening up, high school sports scores, and opportunities for community civic engagement. Strong local reporting is linked to better governance, lower levels of corruption, greater civic engagement and stronger community trust.
Local news and civic information are true public goods that benefit everyone, though too many Pennsylvanians lack access to them — particularly people in rural communities, working-class communities, non-English-speaking communities and communities of color. Layoffs and corporate consolidation also mean that 17 counties now have just one — in some cases, zero — news sources, and the newsrooms that remain in these counties often have just a handful of reporters. This isn’t just an industry problem – it’s a crisis for our communities.
But there’s hope. Pennsylvania has an opportunity to advocate for local news and civic information that will benefit communities.
Two bills before the Pennsylvania legislature would strengthen independent local news, plug critical information gaps and bolster civic engagement — all while maintaining strict firewalls to preserve editorial independence.
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Blog: September 3, 2026
The need for stronger news and information isn’t a partisan issue for people in rural communities.
Across Pennsylvania, people struggle to get basic information about issues ranging from data centers to local ICE activity. That’s why the Local News Package is so exciting.
Blog: April 10, 2026
Organizing to meet growing demand for access to culturally relevant local news and civic information in Spanish.
Press Release: February 4, 2026
The bills follow legislative models that are helping to support local news in a growing number of states.
Blog: September 15, 2025
At a time of rising threats, we need bold policies, public investment and community engagement to create a sustainable future for local news.
Press Release: July 29, 2025
As newsrooms shrink or outright shut down, the proposal from Rep. Rabb is exactly the kind of action that this moment demands.
“Local News and Democracy: Pennsylvania and the Media Landscape,”webinar featuring panelists from Common Cause, Common Cause Pennsylvania and Free Press ActionApril 9, 2026
New Jersey Civic Information Consortium 2025 Impact Report
Local News for the People: A Policy Agenda for Meeting Civic-Information Needs
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