Amidst the decline of local newspapers and the looming threat of news deserts, a groundbreaking solution has emerged in a couple of small Iowa towns: transferring ownership of struggling papers to student-run publications.
The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun and the Solon Economist embarked on discussions with The Daily Iowan, the University of Iowa’s student newspaper, in the autumn of 2023. Following a revamp of layouts to align with The Daily Iowan’s style, the papers hit newsstands in February under the management of the student publication.
This development signals a novel trend in the journalism industry, where student newspapers are taking over ownership of local newspapers within their counties.
“We’re right in their backyard. I grew up in eastern Iowa, so these communities are important to me too,” remarked Jason Brummond, the publisher for The Daily Iowan. “Our aim is to provide robust news coverage and enhance the quality of the paper. For local communities, their newspaper is a vital aspect of community capital.”
At a time when local newspapers are grappling with dwindling advertising revenue, this innovative model presents a potential lifeline for small-town papers.
In the United States, 1,766 counties are categorized as “news deserts,” lacking either one or no local newspaper, according to a report from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. Nearly 2,900 local newspapers have ceased operations across the country since 2005, amidst the rise of digital media.
University newspapers, supported by their institutions as a public service and not solely reliant on advertising revenue, may offer an unexpected source of hope.
“It’s crucial for all communities, particularly those like these, to have a robust local newspaper,” Brummond emphasized. “We’re enthusiastic about this opportunity to augment resources and ultimately enhance the product.”
However, it’s not just ownership agreements that are bolstering small local newspapers. Universities are also aiding in content creation. A study by the Center for Community News revealed that 2,000 student reporters published over 10,000 stories in local news outlets last year.
While collaborations between student and local papers are commonplace, outright ownership remains rare, noted Margaret Little Reilly, Managing Director of the Center for Community News.
As local papers grapple with financial challenges in the digital media era or face the dilemma of succession in family-owned businesses, student newsrooms offer a fresh avenue, Reilly explained.
“It’s increasingly becoming a topic of conversation among those interested in robust local news about how to establish more sustainable models,” Reilly remarked. “And the advantages are quite undeniable.”
“Student reporters also bring qualities that previous generations of journalists may lack,” she added, citing their enthusiasm and technological proficiency.
The Oglethorpe Echo, a weekly paper in Georgia, is a prime example. When its owners opted to retire, they donated the nearly 150-year-old family-owned paper to the local journalism program at the University of Georgia, Reilly disclosed.
Brummond highlighted that Iowa boasts a robust news presence, with approximately 240 newspapers, according to the Iowa News Association.
“Iowa is perhaps one of the few states that doesn’t face news deserts. However, we view this as a unique opportunity,” Brummond remarked.
As they embark on this new model, students will have the chance to intern at local papers or contribute articles for academic credit, Brummond noted.
For small newspapers, even the addition of a single writer can make a significant difference. Brummond mentioned that the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun currently employs one full-time reporter and one part-time reporter, while the Solon Economist has one full-time reporter.
With a staff of 120 student employees at The Daily Iowan, eager to contribute, students have already begun collaborating with the weeklies, affirmed Sabine Martin, executive editor of The Daily Iowan. Recently, one of The Daily Iowan’s reporters came to the aid of the weekly by covering a bike race in the county when they were short-staffed.
“To truly immerse themselves in these communities, establish beats, forge connections, I believe that will be immensely beneficial for students,” she expressed. “It’s a learning opportunity that underscores the importance of rural journalism for college students.”
