With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, concerns are mounting that commercial local TV stations are neglecting community-specific news in favor of national content that drives profits. According to a press release from San Francisco-based nonprofit news outlets, this shift has created news deserts even in major cities, prompting a call for donations to nonprofit newsrooms this Labor Day weekend and through the elections.
The release points to the lifting of the FCC ownership cap in 2026, which allowed companies like Gray, Scripps, Sinclair, and Nexstar to expand their reach. While proponents argued this would increase local news, the release contends that in practice it has favored national content because that is what generates profit. An op-ed by Dak Dillon in NewscastStudio is quoted: "Here's the uncomfortable question for any news director defending the format: why is a local station spending five minutes reading national headlines that every viewer already saw on their phone before the newscast even started? That segment made sense when a local affiliate was one of the only ways to find out what happened in Washington that day. It doesn't make sense anymore. Viewers have the national news at 5:30, a dozen news apps, cable, social feeds, more ways to get the same information than any local newsroom can compete with. Running a national package or reading a wire rundown isn't a service to the audience in 2026. It's dead air with a local anchor's face on it."
To fill the gap, the release highlights several nonprofit news organizations that provide in-depth local coverage. These include CalMatters, a nonpartisan nonprofit covering California issues, which acquired The Markup in 2024 to bolster reporting on technology, privacy, and AI. Bay City News Foundation serves the greater San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California, while the San Francisco Public Press focuses on under-covered topics like environmental protection and housing affordability. Mission Local covers San Francisco neighborhoods, Open Vallejo illuminates issues in Vallejo, and the Vallejo Sun reports on Solano County. The Central Valley Journalism Collaborative strengthens local news in the San Joaquin Valley.
National networks such as the Institute for Nonprofit News, which supports over 500 independent news organizations, and States Newsroom, the nation's largest state-focused nonprofit news organization with reporting from every capital, are also part of the movement. Civic News Company, parent of Chalkbeat, Votebeat, and Healthbeat, covers education, elections, and public health. Lion Publishers strengthens the local news industry by helping independent publishers build sustainable businesses.
The implications for business and technology leaders are significant. A well-informed electorate is crucial for stable markets and democratic processes. As AI and digital platforms reshape news consumption, the decline of local journalism could exacerbate misinformation and polarization. By donating to nonprofit newsrooms, readers can ensure reliable, nonpartisan coverage of local issues that directly affect their communities and businesses. The release encourages sharing donations on social media to raise awareness. Donation links are provided for each organization, including CalMatters, Bay City News, and Mission Local. Supporting these outlets helps preserve democracy, free speech, and reliable information during a critical election season.
