The local-mobile paradox: Missed innovation opportunities at local newspapers

Abstract

We employ a mixed-methods approach to examine the state of mobile web publishing among U.S. local newspapers. Analysis of the mobile version of news websites (N = 100) across the 50 states yields an uneven picture, with innovation lagging in key areas. A survey with local owner-operators (N = 77) in a large U.S. state suggests that devoting attention to mobile audiences may be associated with revenue opportunities, and the ability to innovate is not necessarily associated with firm size. We explore implications for the viability of local news.

“It’s New to Us”: Exploring Authentic Innovation in Local News Settings

“…This imperative also permeates the research literature on innovation among local news media as a certain logic of how news organizations ought to navigate. For example, Heckman and Wihby (2019) frame the lack of local media innovation as a missed opportunity and local media as laggards when it comes to the adoption of new mobile technology. Jenkins and Jerónimo (2021) conclude that local news organizations should invest in "completely new and innovative processes for content creation and monetization" to ensure these media continue to serve their communities (p. 1237), whereas Wilczek et al, (2021) and Lowrey et al, (2023) describe innovation enablers which could facilitate the digital transformation of local journalism.…”

La sostenibilidad de los medios a través de los conceptos de engagement y relevancia: scoping review

“…De acuerdo con otra línea de trabajo, los profesionales padecen de falta de recursos -debido a la caída de ingresos-así como de falta de visión (Heckman;Wihbey, 2019). Por su parte, los periodistas aceptan las innovaciones, pero las observan con recelo al considerar que pueden alterar la esencia de la profesión (Meier;Bracker;Verhovnik, 2017).…”