Local journalism is more than headlines; it’s the heartbeat of a community. It’s not just crime statistics and reports of fires and vehicle crashes; it’s local election results and complex debates about land preservation and affordable housing and school taxes. It’s about a trailblazing student-athlete, the long-awaited reopening of a popular nightclub, the launch of a unique small business, an exploration of local history and its relevance to events of today. It’s the stories that keep residents informed, engaged and connected to the place they call home.
Unfortunately, as with national media, local journalism and hometown publications are struggling to stay afloat and relevant in an increasingly digital world saturated with breaking news notifications and pitches for our attention.
At Pennon, we understand the critical importance of local journalism — news created by members of the community, for the community. It’s at the heart of everything we do.
The decline of local news
As the digital age increases access to information, alters news consumption habits and decreases attention spans, news deserts are becoming more and more prevalent. The United States has lost more than one-third of its newspapers since 2005 — 130 in the past year alone — leaving nearly 55 million Americans with limited to no access to local news, according to the 2024 Northwestern University’s Medill State of Local News Report.
When reliable local news sources disappear, communities suffer. Voter turnout declines, civic engagement wanes and misinformation spreads unchecked. The shuttering of newsrooms also displaces journalists, reducing the number of professionals dedicated to uncovering local stories that impact daily life.
National outlets provide essential coverage of broader issues, but without local journalism to spotlight municipal government spending and school board decisions and other community developments, residents are left in the dark about the issues closest to home.
Accountability needed
The decline of local news isn’t just about losing information — it’s about losing accountability.
Local news acts as a watchdog, holding elected officials, institutions and organizations accountable while giving citizens a voice. From severe weather warnings to health emergencies to uncovering corruption, local news provides essential, real-time information that keeps communities and people safe.
Local journalism is also a cornerstone of community identity. Local journalism elevates stories of hometown heroes, innovative businesses and cultural events, connecting people with their neighbors and their shared sense of place. Community journalism examines our shared past, present and future.
Committed to local journalism
Trusted, quality local news and information are essential levers for connection. Pennon is on a mission to better serve the central Pennsylvania community. We exist to inform and engage the 19 counties we serve, with one overarching goal: to ensure that our communities continue to have access to the news, educational resources, opportunities for civic engagement and information they rely on.
Pennon is leveraging the strengths of WITF and LNP Media Group to innovate and adapt to the evolving media landscape. We aspire to be the news for the community, by the community — an authentic reflection of the people and stories that make central Pennsylvania unique.
A shared responsibility
The future of local journalism cannot rest on the shoulders of news organizations alone; it must be a community effort.
We must continue to adapt to changes in the industry and community, finding ways to deliver the news that matters in a way that our central Pennsylvania community deserves.
As we look to the future, we remain focused on adapting to industry changes and exploring new ways to deliver the news that matters most. From community forums to innovative digital platforms, we are investing in solutions that meet audiences where they are.
That’s why I’m committed to sharing my perspectives as the CEO of Pennon in this and future columns — keeping you informed about what we’re doing and about the opportunities, challenges and everyday moments that shape our organization and its impact on you.
Local journalism is the lifeline of community, ensuring access to reliable information, fostering community connections and driving civic engagement. Pennon is proud to be investing in the future of local journalism with the aim of building common ground — because when local news thrives, communities thrive. And that is a future worth investing in.
Ron Hetrick is the president and CEO of Pennon, the parent company of WITF, Pennon Education and LNP Media Group, which publishes LNP | LancasterOnline. A Harrisburg native, Ron brings decades of experience in technology, nonprofit management and corporate governance to his role at Pennon. Email: rhetrick@pennon.org.
