As local newspapers continue to shrink or disappear across the United States, a growing number of independent news organizations are turning to collaboration instead of competition in an effort to survive.
That trend is highlighted in a new report from The 19th, which says its journalism partnership initiative, the 19th News Network, has expanded from 25 member newsrooms to 102 in just one year.
The network brings together national, regional and local publishers focused on issues including education, health, climate, race, gender and LGBTQ+ communities.
According to the article, members range from “tiny, hyper-local newsrooms” to established national publications.
“Though our missions and audiences vary, we all share a commitment to equity through quality, fact-based reporting,” wrote Abby Johnston, editorial director of The 19th.
The article reflects a broader shift taking place across the American media industry as traditional business models for local journalism continue to weaken.
Thousands of local newspapers have closed or sharply reduced staffing over the past two decades, creating so-called “news deserts” in many communities where residents have little or no local reporting.
The 19th article argues that partnerships between smaller newsrooms may become increasingly important as publishers face financial pressure and declining resources.
“Setting competition aside and embracing collaboration will help us tell smarter stories with more in-depth reporting, combining expertise, skills and perspectives from across newsrooms and beats,” Johnston wrote.
The network has already produced collaborative reporting projects on topics including abortion access, postpartum depression, long COVID and legal cases affecting transgender Americans.
Ahead of the 2024 election cycle, member organizations also worked together on a 10-story reporting series focused on abortion and politics.
The article suggests that collaboration may help smaller newsrooms reach wider audiences while sharing reporting resources and expertise.
Journalism partnerships have become more common in recent years as local publishers struggle with falling advertising revenue, competition from social media platforms and changing reader habits.
The growth of nonprofit newsrooms and republishing agreements has also accelerated as organizations search for sustainable alternatives to traditional newspaper business models.
The 19th says its network is continuing to expand and encouraged additional publishers to join.
“I’ve been heartened to witness how enthusiastically 19NN members have leaned into the power of partnership,” Johnston wrote. “It’s a benefit to our industry, and it’s a benefit to the people we serve above all: our readers.”
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