With the rise of hyperlocal journalism, mainstream media and small town newspaper chains are facing tough decisions about the future.

This Wall Street Journal article last week provides good insight into the challenges facing these small publications. It captures the vitality and raison d’etre for these publications.

“At the Register-Star and its trans-Hudson sister, the Daily Mail in
Catskill, N.Y., the local focus is genuine—and relentless. Every day
the front page is filled with staff-written local news. Inside are
local columns, listings of local property transactions and, during
county-fair season, entire pages devoted to prize-winning livestock,
cakes and quilts.”

The solution for journalism may be found inside these often neglected gems.