Local news needs an extra jolt

It’s no secret that the landscape for local news across Minnesota and the rest of the country for that matter has changed drastically over the past several decades. Sadly, newspapers have ceased publishing in many communities due to economic constraints and hardships that were too burdensome to overcome.
In Minnesota alone, 97 local news outlets have reportedly closed since 2018. That’s about a dozen per year. Communities like Hutchinson have lost their newspaper that had served for more than a century. Some new papers pop up from time to time, but generally once they’re gone, they fade into history.
We’ve noticed that it isn’t hard for people to understand the importance of local news in their communities. A week doesn’t go by without someone commenting about how much they value community journalism. Most people know how local news helps build communities and the sense of familiarity that bind us together as neighbors.
Some journalism groups are calling on Minnesota lawmakers to invest in local news. On Tuesday, the groups gathered at the State Capitol rotunda for a “news rally.” The True North News Alliance formed in 2026 to push forward sensible policy solutions to strengthen local news in all communities throughout the state.
True North is a statewide, grassroots effort built on the belief that every community deserves reliable local information. The organization consists of journalists, community leaders, parents and citizens who want local news to remain viable for years to come.
The media organizations are calling on Minnesota lawmakers to introduce and pass a local news revenue measure modeled on what states like Illinois and New Mexico have already passed. It’s a payroll tax credit for local newsrooms, which would keep reporters employed and newsrooms viable.
Getting government involved is needed as an investment in community infrastructure. It’s no different than the way government already invests in roads, bridges, broadband or education. Let your local lawmakers know this is something important to the health of our communities.
Obviously, tax credits aren’t the only solution to this complex problem. But we all need to jump onboard with building—and maintaining—a healthy local news ecosystem. A tax credit would be one step in the right direction.
Doing nothing could put many other newspapers out of business. And by doing nothing, it will put communities at risk of not having reliable information at their disposal. We hope lawmakers agree that doing nothing is not an option. After all, every Minnesotan deserves reliable, local news, no matter where they live.