The U.S. News Deserts project, led by the Center for Innovation and Sustainability in Local Media at the University of North Carolina’s Hussman School of Journalism, is a critical initiative that maps and monitors the decline of local journalism across the United States. By identifying areas with limited or no access to credible local news—termed “news deserts”—the project highlights the erosion of civic engagement and informed communities. Through detailed reports, interactive maps, and data-driven insights, it reveals how more than 55 million Americans are affected by diminishing news sources. The platform also explores the rise of “ghost newspapers”—outlets that still exist but have significantly reduced staff and content. Designed in collaboration with DesignHammer using Drupal, the site offers a powerful tool for researchers, policymakers, and journalists alike. Its mission is not just to inform but to inspire efforts to rebuild and sustain meaningful local journalism across the country.
Case Study
US News Deserts
About the Client and Project
NewsDeserts
Mapping News Deserts
Project Duration
Underway 13+ Months
As per Requirements
Our Technology Stack
Core
- HTML, CSS, core-js, PHP jQuery.
- WordPress.
Theme
- CherryFramework
Plugins
- Elementor, Redux Framework, Contact Form 7.
Background and Strategic fit
The U.S. News Deserts project emerged from growing concerns about the rapid decline of local journalism across the United States. Spearheaded by the Center for Innovation and Sustainability in Local Media at the University of North Carolina, the project aims to document where trusted news sources have vanished and assess the impact on democratic engagement, accountability, and community cohesion. Strategically, the project fits into a broader effort to strengthen local news ecosystems, offering researchers, policymakers, and media leaders vital data to guide interventions and investments. With its interactive mapping tools, in-depth reports, and collaboration with partners like DesignHammer, the initiative provides a powerful framework for understanding the extent of the crisis and exploring sustainable models for local journalism. By spotlighting both the gaps and opportunities, the project supports informed decision-making and reinforces the essential role of credible, community-focused journalism in a functioning democracy.
Challenges faced by US News Deserts :
- Thousands of local newspapers have shut down, leaving communities with no reliable news sources.
- Many existing newspapers operate with minimal staff and content, offering little meaningful local reporting.
- Tracking and verifying accurate data across diverse regions is complex and resource-intensive.
- The shift to digital media has drastically reduced advertising revenue for traditional news outlets.
- Many citizens and policymakers remain unaware of the scale and impact of local news decline.
The U.S. News Deserts project highlights communities across America lacking reliable local journalism. By mapping news deserts and analyzing “ghost newspapers,” it raises awareness of journalism’s decline. The project supports efforts to restore local news through research, data, and collaboration, reinforcing the importance of journalism in a healthy democracy.
Services Offered
Interactive Mapping Tools
Offers detailed, searchable maps that show counties with limited or no local news coverage.
Research Reports
Publishes in-depth studies like The Expanding News Desert that analyze the decline of local journalism.
Data and Statistics
Provides downloadable data sets for researchers, policymakers, and journalists to explore news access trends.
Public Awareness
Raises awareness about the societal impact of disappearing local news through media coverage and outreach.
Policy Insight
Supports policymakers and journalism advocates with credible data to inform local news restoration strategies.
Collaboration with Institutions
Works with universities, nonprofits, and media organizations to address the local news crisis.
Challanges
01
Shrinking Local Newsrooms
Many newspapers have closed or downsized, reducing access to credible local information.
02
Emergence of Ghost Newspapers
Surviving papers often lack resources, publishing limited or superficial content.
03
Digital Dominance
Online platforms capture ad revenue, weakening the financial base of local journalism.
04
Data Collection Complexity
- Gathering reliable, up-to-date information across thousands of communities is challenging and resource-heavy.
05
Public Apathy
- Many citizens underestimate the importance of local news, making advocacy and awareness harder.
Courier API Integration
User Flow
User Flow in website design refers to the sequence of steps a user takes to accomplish a task or reach a goal. It involves guiding users seamlessly through various pages and interactions to ensure a smooth and intuitive experience. By optimizing user flow, designers enhance usability and increase user engagement on the website.
Optimizing UX: Crafting a Research Plan
Crafting an effective research plan for optimizing user experience involves defining clear objectives, selecting appropriate methodologies, and gathering relevant data. By meticulously planning each step, designers can gain valuable insights into user behavior and preferences, informing iterative improvements to the product. A well-executed research plan is instrumental in creating user-centric designs that resonate with the target audience.
Design System & Style
We developed a design system to enhance consistency and streamline the client’s workflow, saving time during feature development. This initiative aims to elevate the website’s overall process and user experience, ensuring efficiency and cohesion across all aspects of design and implementation.
Demos And Pages
Focusing on challenges often deepens the urgency and relevance of the U.S. News Deserts project, strengthening its mission to document and address the decline of local journalism in America. As a result, the initiative brings together a dedicated team of researchers and collaborators who are not only highly knowledgeable but also driven by purpose—embracing innovation, data, and public engagement to map news deserts, raise awareness, and advocate for sustainable solutions that preserve the role of trustworthy local news in democracy.
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