The New Era of Journalism: Student-Owned Local Newspapers in Iowa
The journalism industry has been facing a significant crisis for over a decade, with local newspapers shutting down and massive layoffs across national newsrooms. However, some small towns in Iowa have discovered an innovative solution: transferring ownership to a student newspaper. The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun and the Solon Economist initiated talks with the University of Iowa’s student paper, The Daily Iowan, in fall 2023. After redesigning their layouts to match The Daily Iowan, both papers hit the stands under new ownership in February of that year.
This new wave marks a significant shift in the journalism landscape as student newspapers acquire ownership of local newspapers within their counties. Jason Brummond, The Daily Iowan’s publisher, expressed his excitement about this opportunity: “We’re right in their backyard. These communities are important to us too. Our hope is to deliver a strong news product and improve the paper. Local communities rely heavily on their newspaper as an essential part of their capital.”
With the decline in local newspapers due to shrinking advertising revenue and financial difficulties, this new model could offer a fresh pathway for small-town papers. In the United States, 1,766 counties are classified as “news deserts,” meaning they have either one or no local newspaper, according to a report from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. Over 2,900 local newspapers have closed down across the country since 2005, coinciding with the rise of digital media.
University newspapers, backed by their institutions as a public service and not solely reliant on ad revenue, are becoming an unexpected beacon of hope in this regard. Brummond emphasized the importance of having a robust local newspaper: “It’s crucial for all communities, especially those like these, to have access to reliable and comprehensive local news coverage.”
Moreover, student reporters from universities are contributing significantly to sustaining small local newspapers by filling them with content. A study by the Center for Community News found that 2,000 student reporters published over 10,000 stories in local news outlets last year. While collaborations between student and local papers are common, outright ownership is still rare. Margaret Little Reilly, the Managing Director of the Center for Community News, highlighted the potential benefits of this arrangement: “This conversation about sustainable local news models is increasingly becoming a priority. Student newsrooms offer an excellent alternative for struggling local papers and the benefits are undeniable.”
The enthusiasm and technological skills of student reporters are valuable assets in today’s digital era. One example is The Oglethorpe Echo, a weekly paper in Georgia, which was donated to the local journalism program at the University of Georgia when its owners decided to retire. Brummond believes that Iowa is uniquely positioned in terms of news coverage, as it has approximately 240 newspapers according to the Iowa News Association.
As they implement this new model, students will have opportunities to intern at local papers or write articles for class credit. This collaboration can have a significant impact on small newspapers, as even one additional writer can greatly improve their coverage. Brummond stated that the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun currently has only one full-time reporter, while the Solon Economist has only one part-time reporter. The Daily Iowan boasts a staff of 120 student employees, eager to contribute their skills and expertise.
Collaborative efforts between students and local papers have already begun, as shown by Sabine Martin, the executive editor of The Daily Iowan: “Embedding oneself in these communities and developing relationships is essential for students. This experience will teach college students the importance of rural journalism.”
In conclusion, the student-owned local newspaper model in Iowa presents a promising solution to address the challenges faced by the journalism industry. By combining the resources and expertise of university newspapers with the needs of small local papers, this arrangement can contribute significantly to preserving and enhancing the quality of local news coverage.
