The Future of Local News

The Future of Local News Initiative was a comprehensive assessment of local news conditions in North Dakota that concluded in early 2026. Project activities included surveys of newspaper executives, journalists, college journalists, news consumers and residents of North Dakota's "news desert" counties. 

Results affirmed an industry at a crossroads - one facing mounting challenges, but also significant opportunities for renewal, innovation and community partnership. You may contact the North Dakota Newspaper Association at office@ndna.com to receive a copy of the initiative's final report. 

The Future of Local News Initiative was administered by the Rural Development Finance Corporation (RDFC) in partnership with the North Dakota Newspaper Association. The project was guided by a steering committee comprised of media professionals and stakeholders, and supported by a Bush Foundation Partnership Fund grant, which supports creative problem solving to strengthen North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. Research and data analysis was conducted by Coda Ventures. 

Learn more below!

News releases: 

• Initiative highlights urgent needs and promising pathways for local news - Jan. 29, 2026
• Study reveals information gaps in 'news desert' counties - Oct. 22, 2025
• Surveys reveal strong opportunities to strengthen local news in North Dakota - Sept. 3, 2025
• Key findings revealed in surveys of N.D. newspapers - July 25, 2025
• Study launching on future of local news in North Dakota - March 3, 2025

In the news: 

• The future of local news isn't about newspapers - it's about our communities (The Dickinson Press, March 18, 2026)
• Statewide research effort examines health of newspaper business, community journalism (North Dakota Living, March 5, 2026) 
• (podcast) NDNA's Cecile Wehrman on the Future of North Dakota's Newspapers (North Dakota News Cooperative, Feb. 13, 2026)
• Blueprint points path forward for North Dakota's strained local newspapers (North Dakota News Cooperative, Feb. 3, 2026) 
• (podcast) Local news is not dead, but it needs you (North Dakota News Cooperative, Sept. 12, 2025) 
• Newspapers have bright future in local communities, if they embrace change (North Dakota News Cooperative, Sept. 9, 2025) 
• Rural Papers Fight for Survival (KFYR+, Aug. 2, 2025) 
• Surveys of North Dakota newspapers show challenges the industry is facing (KX News, July 28, 2025)