Trust in local journalism
Eighty-five percent of Pennsylvania registered voters say they have the most trust in local newspapers, print and online; that level of trust surpasses other news media outlets. The 2022 survey conducted by Public Opinion Strategies of Alexandria, Virginia, for the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association provides additional good news about public notice in print newspapers, government transparency, and the essential role local journalism plays in the health of communities across the commonwealth:
- 85% said they have the most trust in local newspapers, print and online. That level of trust surpasses other news media outlets.
- 87% said local newspapers are key to an informed community because they cover local issues such as business, politics and public safety. This is the kind of news readers cannot get anywhere else.
- 87% said local newspapers help keep people connected to their communities.
Support for public notice in newspapers, Right-to-Know expansion
The survey of Pennsylvania registered voters also revealed:
- 92% favored state law requiring public notices to be published in print editions of local newspapers to alert citizens about important local issues – like zoning changes, school closures, and environmental proposals that impact health and property – before government takes action.
- 92% favored expanding the Right-to-Know Law, which provides citizens access to public records held by government agencies.
The “PA NewsMedia Association Benchmark’’ survey of Pennsylvania registered voters was conducted Aug. 24-28, 2022.
Economic impact
Local newspapers are key not only to reporting the news and information people want and need, but they are also essential to the economic health of the Pennsylvania communities they serve. Newspapers are employers. They are taxpayers. They are local philanthropists and volunteers. Consider:
- The economic impact of the newspaper industry on Pennsylvania in 2023 was over $1 billion, which included $427.8 million in labor income.
- The state and local tax impact of the newspaper industry in Pennsylvania was $40.2 million.
- The Pennsylvania newspaper industry supported and sustained nearly 7,300 jobs.
- It is estimated that Pennsylvania newspaper employees give more than $2.4 million annually in charitable donations and volunteer more than 65,150 hours, which is valued at $2 million. The combined community stewardship of $4.4 million was in addition to the $1 billion economic impact.
“Pennsylvania’s Newspaper Industry Makes a Significant Impact” produced for PNA by Parker Philips Inc. of Erie, Pennsylvania, in January 2025, is available.