‘What matters isn’t the delivery method but the quality and accessibility of local journalism’
The recent announcement that NJ Advance Media is ending print operations for several newspapers marks a pivotal moment for New Jersey journalism. While some view this as another nail in local journalism’s coffin, I see it differently. After nearly five decades of observing and working with New Jersey media, I believe we’re not watching the death of local news — we’re witnessing its evolution.
Earlier this month, I completed a report titled “The Future of New Jersey Journalism: Evolution, Not Extinction,” and it was recently released by the Center for Urban Policy Research at Rutgers’ Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. In it, I discussed the current environment facing New Jersey journalism, and recommendations on how it can thrive. I also analyzed the current debate about advertising legal notices in newspapers.
Yes, the landscape has changed dramatically. In 2000, there were 44 full-time State House print reporters. Today, there are roughly 20. But this doesn’t tell the whole story. We now have approximately 18 reporters working for digital-only news sites covering state government — outlets that didn’t exist 25 years ago. These include NJ Spotlight News, New Jersey Globe, Politico NJ, New Jersey Monitor and The Jersey Vindicator, among others.
The reality is that New Jersey’s news ecosystem is adapting, not dying. While some weekly papers have shut down without leaving a digital presence, we’re seeing growth in online local news coverage. The TAPinto network, Patch outlets and numerous independent hyperlocal websites are starting to fill crucial gaps. Many of these sites are run by experienced journalists who previously worked in print media. Almost all outlets are developing a robust social media presence using some combination of Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, X/Twitter, YouTube, and Bluesky.
What’s particularly encouraging is the emergence of innovative funding models. The New Jersey Hills Media Group has transitioned from for-profit to nonprofit status. The New Jersey Civic Information Consortium, a first-of-its-kind state-supported initiative, is seeding new journalism projects across the state. These efforts are complemented by the work of the Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University, which provides vital support and training for local journalists.
However, we must acknowledge the challenges. Quality journalism isn’t free. The old model of advertising and subscriptions alone can’t sustain modern newsrooms. Today’s journalists need multiple skills — from data analysis to video production to social media management. This requires investment in both technology and training.
The digital divide remains a serious concern. Despite New Jersey’s high overall internet usage, many residents still struggle with access to fast, affordable internet service. Rural residents often pay more for slower service, while low-income urban residents may spend a disproportionate amount of their income on connectivity. We can’t have an informed public if significant portions of our population can’t access digital news.
Yet these challenges aren’t insurmountable. The state is receiving over $250 million in federal funding to address the digital divide. Philanthropic support is growing for both for-profit and nonprofit news organizations. And most importantly, we’re seeing innovation in how news is gathered, reported and delivered to readers.
The Washington Post’s motto, “Democracy Dies in Darkness,” reminds us of what’s at stake. Over decades, New Jersey journalism has exposed countless instances of government incompetence, corruption and malfeasance. This vital watchdog role hasn’t disappeared with the decline of print — it’s just moved online.
Looking ahead, I believe most print newspapers will cease physical publication within three to five years. But this shouldn’t be cause for alarm if we take the right steps now. We need:
- Sustained philanthropic support for both for-profit and nonprofit news organizations;
- Creative solutions for providing universal digital access;
- Continued innovation in business models and revenue streams;
- Investment in training the next generation of multimedia journalists;
- Community engagement to build sustainable reader support;
- Resolve the current debate about placement of legal advertising without compromising the viability of community journalism.
The future of New Jersey news is primarily digital — and that’s OK. What matters isn’t the delivery method but the quality and accessibility of local journalism. Our democracy depends on having informed citizens who know what’s happening in their State House, county seats, and town halls.
New Jersey has a growing ecosystem of digital news outlets, innovative funding models, supportive public policies and dedicated journalists committed to serving their communities. The path forward requires adaptation and investment. Some philanthropy is in place, but more is needed. Rather than lamenting the decline of print, let’s focus on strengthening these new pillars of local journalism.
For readers, the message is clear: Support the news outlets covering your community. Subscribe to their digital editions. Donate if they ask. Engage with their reporting. The future of New Jersey journalism — and by extension, our local democracy — depends on it.
This op-ed is based on a report titled ” The Future of New Jersey Journalism: Evolution, Not Extinction” that examines these issues in greater detail. The report is available here.