Navigating the News: Local vs. National

What’s the difference?

There are so many ways to get our news today. Whether it’s on your phone, computer, or TV, information is consistently at our fingertips. Through obtaining our news, we see both local and national sources. Let’s break it down: local versus national news. What’s the difference?

Which do you view more?

• Local news
• National news

Local:

1. Local journalists live in the same community as you. Chances are, they are living similar experiences when it comes to events and the environment in your community. This helps your local news stay receptive and aware of what may be affecting you, because they are likely affected by the same. This ability to connect on a personal level is most prevalent in local sources.

2. Building relationships is important in any newsroom role, however local journalists heavily depend on contacts in their communities. They could spend years forming a connection to bring viewers a more well-rounded, information-filled story. Community relationships are built on trust and credibility.

3. Unlike national news, local news stations have a broadcasting time limit. While every broadcast wants to keep the viewers attention, local news also has to focus on delivering news in a timely manner. This means local news is likely more straightforward and to-the-point, leaving little room for opinion.

National:

1. National news channels run (mostly) 24/7. They are looking for ways to keep the viewers attention as long as possible and consistently peak your interest. Whether it’s updates on a national story or a guest’s opinion on a topic, their goal is that you never change the channel.

2. Speaking of peaking your interest, many national news broadcasts include opinion-based presentations. With that, comes debates, which oftentimes is a reason why viewers continue to watch. Guests help fill time and some are credible and others are not. While it is important to hear similar and opposing viewpoints, be wary of what is someone’s opinion versus a hard fact when viewing national news. Generally, it’s more common to see social issues or controversial issues on national news

3. National news can have topics local news doesn’t cover – they can expand to a broad range of topics, often on a larger scale than local news. For example, if you’re looking for articles on foreign relations, you would turn to national news sources.

Both have a place. Neither could thrive without the other and no one should solely focus on one or the other. It’s important to keep in mind the differences between national and local news, what one might lack, and what the other could bring to the table. Intertwining both into your news consumption cycle will help provide a holistic view of our world’s current events.

Remember to always check your sources and stay ahead of the headlines!

Photo: Ian Lamont