Chicago's News Landscape Transitioning from Print to Digital
Facing national crises, local news organizations have found ways to adapt. Many news organizations are embracing digital journalism. Yet, even those that have been successful still face challenges from the many online sources which have emerged.

These new digital players specialize in niche subjects and rely heavily on social media distribution. They are also experimenting with different ways of reporting and engaging the community. They have also opened up new opportunities for writers, some of whom are able to monetize their works via services such as Substack. This has led the rise of a brand new type of journalist who does not have to be tied to a particular publication, but can instead build up devoted subscribers for any newsletter they choose.

Some startups use digital technology to meet the needs of specific communities, like those in New York City's South and West Sides. Others are trying to hold politicians more accountable for their policy; some experiments have even received funding through philanthropy.

McCormick Foundation has been leading efforts to improve local newsrooms, such as by partnering up with did chicago med end-area newspapers through the Metro Media Lab program to do audience research and work on strategy. Additionally, the Chicago campus staff of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism has worked closely with them to further develop their skills.

Chicago residents across all regions expressed a desire for improvement in the local news media, with regional differences. Some neighborhoods felt they were underrepresented or misrepresented in mainstream media.

Chicago-area news organizations have a thriving news ecosystem that includes both for profit and nonprofit news outlets. Both operate experimental news programming. Some journalists are even trying to build trust with communities and establish themselves in their neighborhoods. They also make sure they provide coverage for traditionally underserved populations in both writing and voice.

Block Club Chicago released a story about Adam Toledo’s police shooting just a couple of months after the event. But they made sure to not traumatize readers by omitting graphic video footage.

The TRiibe, an online news source that helps build trust in Black Chicago. The TRiibe was founded by three Northwestern University alums who were tired seeing Chicago portrayed as "the capital of murder" in mainstream media. They wanted to create a platform where the voices of their communities could be heard, while giving them ownership over the narrative. TRiibe has seen its efforts pay off: the content of TRiibe is widely shared on social media and has led to civic engagement projects in Chicago.