Local News Day, inspired by National Voter Registration Day, is a new initiative aimed at drawing public attention to local journalism by encouraging engagement with local news sources, with over 1,300 newsrooms participating. The campaign, which is not primarily focused on fundraising, seeks to increase news subscriptions and social media follows, while fostering a positive narrative about the value and relevance of local news.
The concept of "Local News Day," inspired by National Voter Registration Day, offers a strategic opportunity for local newsrooms to boost audience engagement and trust by focusing public attention on the relevance and utility of local journalism. By participating in this initiative, newsrooms can experiment with audience-building tactics, such as temporary paywall removal, new product launches, and community events, to drive subscriptions and social media follows. This approach not only enhances visibility but also prepares potential donors for subsequent fundraising efforts like NewsMatch.