The survival of local news is critical to the future of American democracy and to building a more equitable society. Local reporters serve as front-line government watchdogs, informing residents about the workings of city halls, school districts and other agencies that shape daily life. Where sustained local news coverage disappears, quality of life declines and elected officials tend to face less scrutiny in how they use public funds. Researchers have found that local government becomes both more costly and less efficient in these "news deserts," often leaving residents to wonder why services decline even as costs rise.

JFP believes philanthropic support alone cannot sustain struggling newsrooms, but it can make a meaningful difference. In Fresno, California, for example, philanthropy has helped add 10 full-time reporters to The Fresno Bee's newsroom.