Newspaper Closures Have Accelerated Nationwide

Nearly 170 local newspapers merged or shut down over the past year as news deserts expand across the country.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Media

Isometric editorial illustration of a single large printing gear, representing the contraction of the local newspaper industry in the United States. — Nearly 170 local newspapers across the United States shut down or merged over the past year, further expanding the nation's news deserts. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Northwestern Universitys Medill School of Journalism reported that 170 newspapers closed or merged in the last year, up from 136 the year prior. This wave of industry consolidation has added 26 more counties to the list of areas considered news deserts.

Why it matters

Local news outlets are struggling with razor-thin financial margins as newsprint costs rose roughly 18% in the past year, far outpacing inflation. Consequently, nearly 47 million Americans now live in communities with little to no local news coverage.

In addition to the 170 closures, 26 counties were newly classified as news deserts, bringing the total number of affected Americans to 47 million. Rising operating costs, specifically an 18% increase in the price of newsprint, have severely impacted regional outlets.

The players

Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism

This academic institution produces annual research tracking the status of local news availability and industry sustainability.

Federal Communications Commission

This federal agency is responsible for regulating broadcast media ownership standards and recently eliminated national television ownership caps.

The details

Smaller newspaper chains in Illinois and Kansas were hit hardest by recent closures, while many independent papers shuttered following owner retirements or deaths. Meanwhile, corporate consolidation remains high, with 10 companies now owning two-thirds of all daily newspapers and three-quarters of the nation's 678 TV newsrooms.

170 newspapers closed or merged over the last year.
The price of newsprint increased by roughly 18% over the past year.
The FCC waived the TV ownership cap for the Nexstar-Tegna merger in March 2026.
The FCC officially eliminated the national TV ownership cap in October 2026.

Market Landscape

The elimination of the Federal Communications Commission television ownership cap marks a significant shift in media consolidation that mirrors trends seen in the newspaper industry. Large conglomerates are increasingly controlling regional information channels, further reducing the presence of independent competitors.

The decline of local newspapers means residents in affected counties have fewer opportunities to access information about municipal government and community events. Consumers may find themselves increasingly reliant on national or non-local news sources as local outlets continue to shrink.

The takeaway

The rapid disappearance of local papers highlights the growing vulnerability of community-focused journalism in a consolidated media market. Readers should look to support regional non-profit news initiatives to help maintain access to local accountability and information.