Although exact figures on local news stations’ losses are unavailable, it is estimated that the U.S. traditional television industry faced a loss of around $12 billion in subscription and advertising revenue in 2024 due to the rise of connected TV. A survey conducted by the RTDNA indicated that local news experienced decreased profitability and mounting losses. While local television advertising revenue for 2024 was anticipated to decrease marginally, this decline was counterbalanced by a substantial increase in political advertising, leading to an overall growth in total ad revenue for stations.

Local news stations are experiencing a significant decline in viewership as younger audiences increasingly turn to streaming services and podcasts for their news consumption. This shift in media preferences has been largely driven by the convenience and on-demand nature of digital platforms, which cater more effectively to the habits of younger viewers.

Conversely, local news remains primarily popular among senior citizens, who often rely on traditional broadcasts for their daily updates. As a result, local news stations face the challenge of adapting their content and delivery methods to engage a broader, more diverse audience.

Local news stations often prioritize immediate, surface-level coverage over in-depth investigative journalism.

The majority of their reporting tends to focus on police blotters, civil court filings, food health scores, and weather alerts, which provide quick information but lack the depth and analysis inherent in thorough investigations.

As a result, significant issues within communities in Horry County may receive limited attention, diminishing the role of local news as a watchdog.

Consequently, the capacity for fostering informed public discourse is compromised when deep dives into relevant matters are seldom executed.

Key Factors in Local News Stations losses:

• Revenue Shift to Connected TV (CTV): Local news stations as a whole lost about $12 billion in 2024, with the majority of that revenue shifting to CTV platforms. 
• Profitability Decline: A survey by the RTDNA and Syracuse University found a nearly six-point drop in TV news profitability, alongside a 4% increase in losses for local news outlets. 
• Advertising Trends: While traditional local TV ad revenue saw a slight decline, the influx of political advertising during the presidential election year boosted total TV station ad revenue. 
• Audience Fragmentation: A major factor was the ongoing shift of consumers from linear (traditional) TV to streaming video platforms, leading to audience fragmentation. 
• Structural Headwinds: Local news is battling significant challenges including cord-cutting, a migration of audiences to digital platforms, and reduced leverage in negotiations with cable and satellite carriers. 

Specific Data Points:

• Overall TV Sector Loss: The traditional TV sector lost approximately $12 billion in subscription and advertising revenue in 2024. 
• TV News Profitability: The percentage of local TV news outlets reporting a profit dropped, while the percentage reporting a loss increased. 
• Local TV Ad Revenue: While core local and national ad revenue was expected to decline slightly (at 0.3%), this was balanced by a significant increase in political advertising in 2024. 
• Long-Term Trends: The industry continues to face structural challenges, with audiences moving to digital and streaming platforms. 

Although Google AI and ChatGPT may not always provide precise information, even baby boomers are now exploring the internet to find detailed facts about local issues that matter to them.