The local journalism was the backbone of all towns and cities. It informed human beings about what was taking place in their streets, schools and within their councils. However, with the migration of advertising cash to the internet, there were numerous local papers that died or were consolidated. The Press Gazette lists over 320 local newspapers that have shut down in the UK alone between the year 2009 and 2025. Their removal has left communities without a reliable source of news and this brings up a pertinent question, will subscriber-first models rescue what is left?
From ad-driven to reader-funded models
In the past years local news media have been so reliant on advertising. Local stores, car dealers and real estate agents crowded their pages with advertisements. The local newsrooms were deprived of their largest source of revenue when the business was taken over by social media and search engines. Today, there is a better tendency of local publishers to rely on readers rather than on the advertisers.
Why the subscriber-first model work
Subscriber-first journalism builds a direct link between readers and reporters. Instead of writing stories that please advertisers, newsrooms write for their communities. This change improves trust. Research from Pew Research Center found that 68 percent of subscribers to local outlets say they trust their local news “a lot,” compared with only 29 percent of people who rely on free sources.
The model also helps smaller publishers focus on quality instead of chasing clicks. A steady group of paying readers gives journalists time to report deeply and follow long-term issues like housing or public health.
Building value for readers
To make people pay for news, publishers must show that their stories matter in everyday life. This means covering things that touch people’s daily routines: new local laws, road closures, or school updates. Some outlets have done this well. For example, The Manchester Mill has become one of the UK’s fastest-growing local publications by offering a low-cost subscription through email newsletters. It now has over 70,000 readers, with thousands paying a small monthly fee.
When readers feel that stories are made for them, not for clicks, they are more willing to subscribe. Consistent delivery and respectful tone also matter. Local news must sound like a neighbour speaking, not a distant organisation pushing headlines.
The challenge of keeping it affordable
While subscriber-first models bring stability, they also face limits. Not every reader can pay for news, especially in low-income areas. If too many stories sit behind paywalls, people may turn to social media for updates, where misinformation spreads faster. According to Ofcom’s 2023 News Consumption Report, 46 percent of UK adults now get local news through Facebook, compared to only 32 percent who rely on local print papers. This shift shows how fragile paid models can be when free alternatives dominate attention.
Local outlets need to balance paid and free access. Some use a “freemium” model, offering essential stories for free while keeping special reports for subscribers. Others invite readers to support news voluntarily, much like community radio.
Community trust as the foundation
Money matters, but trust is the real foundation. Local news survives only when people believe it tells the truth and stands by them. This trust grows when journalists stay visible in their communities. Hosting town halls, replying to emails, or showing how stories are reported helps readers see real people behind the headlines.
A report by the American Press Institute found that newsrooms that held monthly community meetings saw a 25 percent rise in subscriber renewals within a year. This proves that connection, not just content, drives loyalty.
A shared future between readers and reporters
The shift to subscriber-first models marks a change in how journalism sees itself. It is no longer about chasing numbers but about building relationships. When readers become supporters instead of consumers, they help protect local truth.
Community journalism can survive if both sides understand their roles. Journalists must stay honest and open. Readers must recognise that good reporting costs time and effort. Together, they can keep the lights on in newsrooms that still care about telling the stories that matter.
