Summarised by Centrist
As digital giants like Spotify devour listeners and ad dollars, local news radio is fast becoming an endangered species.
“The headwinds facing local journalism nationwide made it essential to strategically reimagine how we deliver the news for the most impact,” lamented Chris Oliviero of Audacy, the parent company of WCBS 880 AM in New York.
The widespread closures across the dial, due to severe financial strain, are creating ‘news deserts,’ leaving many communities with little to no access to reliable local news.
Traditional financial models keeping these stations afloat are no longer viable in the face of competition from tech giants.
While some stations are adapting by experimenting with new formats, launching podcasts, and expanding their digital presence, these efforts often fail to replace lost revenue, threatening the future of local journalism.
