As the 2026 midterm elections approach, the state of local news is under scrutiny. Commercial local TV stations, owned by companies like Gray, Scripps, Sinclair, and Nexstar, have increasingly focused on national content since the FCC lifted the ownership cap in 2026. This shift has left many communities without dedicated local reporting on issues that directly affect them, such as mayoral races, city councils, county executives, state legislatures, and governors. Instead, these stations often prioritize national headlines and speculation about President Trump's approval ratings, which are already widely available on other platforms.
In an op-ed by Dak Dillon on NewscastStudio, the critique is blunt: "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?" Dillon argues that such segments are no longer a service to the audience but "dead air with a local anchor's face on it." This practice persists because national content is more profitable for commercial operations, especially as they seek to please FCC Chairman Carr and investors.
The implications are stark: without robust local news, voters are less informed about the candidates and issues that shape their daily lives. Nonprofit news organizations have stepped in to fill this void. These outlets provide in-depth, nonpartisan coverage of local and state issues, from housing and public health to environmental protection and elections. They are funded by donations and subscriptions, ensuring their independence from corporate and political influence.
Numerous nonprofit newsrooms across California and beyond are leading this effort. CalMatters is a nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization covering California's 39 million residents and the world's fifth-largest economy. Bay City News serves the greater San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California, targeting news deserts and collaborating with other media. San Francisco Public Press focuses on under-covered topics and underserved audiences. Mission Local provides high-impact reporting on San Francisco, from police reform to City Hall corruption. Open Vallejo illuminates a small city burdened by police violence and corruption. Vallejo Sun covers Solano County, aiming to combat misinformation. The Central Valley Journalism Collaborative strengthens local news in the San Joaquin Valley.
National networks like the States Newsroom provide nonpartisan coverage from every state capital, while the Institute for Nonprofit News supports over 500 independent news organizations. Civic News Company operates Chalkbeat, Votebeat, and Healthbeat, focusing on education, elections, and public health. LION Publishers helps independent news publishers build sustainable businesses.
Donating to these outlets is not just an act of charity; it is an investment in democracy. Reliable local news ensures that voters have the information they need to make informed decisions, holds leaders accountable, and strengthens community engagement. As news deserts grow even in places like San Francisco, the need for support is urgent. By contributing to nonprofit newsrooms, readers can help ensure that quality local journalism survives and thrives, providing a bulwark against misinformation and political propaganda in the 2026 midterm elections and beyond.
