Small Local Papers: Focus on Consensus

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Community Voices: Weekly Newspapers

Journalists discuss the role of local newspapers in their communities.

Discussion: In a democratic society, why might having many community voices in the news media be a good thing?

Local newspapers, especially small weekly papers with circulations under five thousand, tend to promote social and economic harmony in the regions, counties, or municipalities they serve. These papers practice consensus-oriented journalism. Often published once a week, small local papers provide community calendars and meeting notices and carry articles on local schools, social events, town government, property crimes, and zoning issues. Their publications primarily seek to foster a sense of community, though they may also explore discord and problems plaguing the localities in which they’re based.