Key findings revealed in surveys of North Dakota newspapers
MANDAN, N.D. – A statewide steering committee for an initiative to ensure the future of local news in North Dakota is helping to uncover challenges and opportunities for newspapers across the state.
The Future of Local News committee reviewed findings in July from recent industry surveys conducted by Coda Ventures, an independent consultant experienced in newspaper research. Responses were received from 21 of 27 independent newspaper owners and 10 of 11 group publishers, representing 62 of 73 newspapers in North Dakota.
Key findings
- Top challenges: Rising postal costs, the need to grow revenue and subscribers, limited succession options, staffing shortages and the need for sustainable operations.
- Different cost burdens: Group-owned papers cite payroll as their largest expense, while independents are more heavily affected by printing, production and distribution costs.
- Digital growth, print reliance: While digital subscriptions are increasing, most advertising revenue still comes from print.
Journalists from across the state also completed a survey, and key findings will be announced following presentation of the results to the survey recipients in August.
Proactive, community-focused approach
The Future of Local News initiative focus is ensuring North Dakota communities continue to have access to reliable local news. Guided by a diverse group of North Dakota media professionals and public information stakeholders, the project seeks to identify actionable strategies for strengthening the newspaper industry in North Dakota and preventing the spread of news deserts.
Further research will be conducted and reviewed by the committee, including a statewide survey of residents, focus group discussions and a survey of residents in areas that lack the presence of a local newspaper, known as news deserts.
The initiative is administered by the Rural Development Finance Corporation (RDFC) in partnership with the North Dakota Newspaper Association. The project is funded by a Bush Foundation Partnership Fund grant, which supports creative problem solving to strengthen North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota.
“Reliable local news is essential to thriving rural communities,” says Ellen Huber, North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC) rural development director and RDFC executive director. “This initiative is about more than preserving newspapers – it’s about ensuring North Dakotans stay connected, informed and empowered. We’re committed to working with partners across the state to find solutions that strengthen local news for the long term.”
The Rural Development Finance Corporation, a nonprofit specializing in community development in North Dakota towns under 10,000 residents, provides low-interest loans for community and small business projects. It is governed by rural electric and broadband cooperatives, the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC) and the Broadband Association of North Dakota (BAND).
NDAREC is the statewide trade association for 17 electric distribution cooperatives and five generation and transmission cooperatives operating in North Dakota. The distribution cooperatives provide electricity to nearly 250,000 North Dakotans. NDAREC services include legislative advocacy, lineworker safety training, professional development, cooperative business development and communication services, including publication of North Dakota Living magazine.