But Wisconsin has lost roughly 60 percent of its newspapers since 2004. And as of 2025, one-third of Wisconsin’s counties have just one — or in some cases, zero — local-news sources. With corporate consolidation and cuts to public media, newsrooms have been hollowed out, leading to journalists losing their jobs. As a result, Wisconsin residents are being left in the dark about what’s happening in their communities, schools, local businesses and halls of government.

This is more than just a moment of crisis for the journalism industry — it’s a threat to Wisconsin’s communities and civic health. Study after study has shown that access to local news and civic information can boost voter turnout, counter polarization and lessen corruption. When people know more about their neighbors and local leaders, they feel more connected to their communities, more empowered to create change and more willing to engage in civic processes.

That’s why we’re organizing with media leaders and community allies across the state to reintroduce a package of bills designed to strengthen local news and foster more informed communities. These bills would support existing outlets, sustain jobs and invest in Wisconsin’s long-term civic health and local media.