Sharp Decline: Louisiana Lags in Local Journalist Coverage

September 08, 2025 – USA – 

A new report by Muck Rack and the nonprofit Rebuild Local News shows that Louisiana has fewer local journalists than the national average, marking a worrisome trend in media coverage across the state. As of Q1 2025, the study finds just 8.2 local journalist equivalents (LJEs) per 100,000 residents across the U.S.—a sharp 75% decline since 2002. These figures reflect the number of journalists likely focused on local communities, adjusted to account for full- and part-time work.

This significant drop in journalists has real consequences. With fewer reporters covering school board meetings, local elections, cultural happenings, and sports events, community visibility and accountability suffer. The decline isn’t limited to rural areas—many suburban and urban locales in Louisiana are also undercovered. However, metro regions served by the Georges Media Group—which operates major outlets like The Times-Picayune and The Advocate—show relatively stronger coverage, though these areas remain the exceptions.

The dwindling ranks of local newsrooms are part of a broader national decline in local reporting, with two-thirds of U.S. counties now falling below the 8.2 LJE average. This contraction is driven by outdated business models, shrinking newsroom budgets, and a migration away from local news formats.

Yet, amid these alarming trends, there may be a glimmer of hope. The study notes signs of renewed interest in print journalism, suggesting that communities and readers may still value local reporting—and might support initiatives to bolster its presence.

Reference – 

https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/09/08/how-many-journalists-louisiana