Articles

In an article published in Journalism Studies, Alison McAdam outlines a multidimensional approach to sustainability that expands the primary economic focus by considering how the social, cultural, and political roles that local news outlets play in their communities shape it.

The term “sustainability” is widely used across various fields and has become central to discussions on the crisis facing local journalism. Research has documented the decline of local news through concepts like “news deserts” and “news blackholes,” with sustainability often invoked in relation to finding viable futures for the sector. Still, there is limited research defining what sustainability means in this context.

In local journalism, economic concerns remain central but are interlinked with social, cultural, political, geographic, and temporal dimensions. While economic considerations often dominate discussions, the approach of this study draws on cross-disciplinary and journalism-specific literature, highlighting the multiple roles local news plays in communities. The suggested framework argues that each dimension contributes to the long-term viability of local news, recognising endurance as a fundamental principle of sustainability.

Local media serve multiple functions: they foster community cohesion, act as cultural ambassadors, provide historical records, and hold local political powers accountable. These contribute to the unique connection between local news outlets and their audiences, underlining their importance in maintaining an informed community.

Sustainability is a complex concept with diverse definitions, ranging from a vision of the future to a social phenomenon. Traditionally, it focused on economic indicators such as profitability and financial viability, but more recent approaches emphasise material well-being, quality of life, and social equity. The “triple bottom line” framework integrates environmental, economic, and social dimensions, and time is considered a crucial factor in sustainability. However, journalism studies on sustainability have yet to fully incorporate these perspectives.

A multidimensional approach to sustainability in local news incorporates economic, social, cultural, political, geographic, and temporal dimensions. This framework draws from cross-disciplinary literature and highlights the importance of these factors in ensuring local news’ financial viability, legitimacy, and trust within communities.

The economic dimension of local news sustainability focuses on the production, distribution, and consumption of news. Media corporatisation and cost-cutting strategies have weakened local news, but non-profit outlets are also emerging, prioritising financial viability over growth. Business models focus on increasing audience revenue and diversifying commercial strategies. Some scholars argue that relationship-building and preserving the civic value of local news are essential for long-term sustainability.

The social dimension concentrates on the community’s demographics, the role of local news in connecting people, and on building social capital. Local news outlets embedded in the community can leverage this position to develop power, trust, and loyalty, fostering reciprocal relationships with audiences and advertisers. This social capital, along with a deep understanding of local knowledge, helps news outlets maintain relevance and become more sustainable.

The cultural dimension focuses on how media shape and maintain community values and identities. Local news outlets leverage cultural elements, such as producing alternative publications or archiving historical content, to generate revenue and reinforce their standing in the community. This cultural role helps solidify local news as an essential part of the community’s identity and history.

The political dimension examines the role of the media in supporting democracy and public participation. It highlights the importance of government support for local news, including funding or advertising. While government subsidies can enhance credibility, there may be concerns regarding political influence.

The geographic dimension focuses on the role of physical locations in shaping news outlets’ functions. It highlights how especially rural and remote communities can influence news production, audience relevance, and the dissemination of emergency information. Local sensibility and understanding geographic boundaries help news outlets gauge their reach and relevance, ensuring their viability and connection to audiences.

The temporal dimension highlights the importance of recognising both historical and current factors in sustaining local media. By focusing on past successes and enduring practices alongside modern challenges, this approach advocates for long-term solutions and acknowledges the value of what has stood the test of time amid changes in the landscape.

The concept of “sustainability” provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by local news media. Journalism studies must embrace the complexity of the term “sustainability,” drawing on the broader concept from other disciplines. The sustainability of local news should be viewed as multidimensional, demonstrated by its endurance over time. This nuanced approach can also benefit the communities served by local news outlets. By considering sustainability in a broader context, social equity factors emerge, ensuring equitable access to local news that connects citizens to their community, fosters engagement, and supports democratic processes.

McAdam, A. (2025). Rethinking “Sustainability” as a Multidimensional Conceptual Framework for Local Journalism Studies. Journalism Studies, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/1461670X.2025.2492738