A new report highlights a severe shortage of local journalists in the US. Most counties lack adequate coverage, especially in education and health care. The findings raise concerns for publishers and content leaders.
Media and publishing professionals face new challenges as the 2026 Local Journalist Index reveals a persistent shortage of local reporters across the United States. According to data from Rebuild Local News and Muck Rack, 70% of US counties remain severely undercovered, employing fewer local journalist equivalents than the national average. This undercoverage is especially acute in reporting on education and health care, with many communities receiving little to no coverage in these critical areas.
The study, conducted by Muck Rack and Rebuild Local News, analyzed 4.2 million articles published between January and March 2026. The findings indicate that the lack of local journalism is not improving, despite ongoing industry efforts. The report suggests that most counties continue to struggle with limited resources, making it difficult for publishers to provide comprehensive local news, particularly on topics that directly impact residents' daily lives.
For those managing editorial operations or audience growth, the data underscores the importance of investing in local reporting to maintain relevance and trust. The shortage of coverage in education and health care may also affect traffic, engagement, and monetization strategies for local publishers. These findings echo broader concerns about the sustainability of local news, as seen in other recent industry developments, such as the expansion of city-focused newsletters by major publishers.
