Through the use of the interpretive lenses of sociology of news, identity, and community roles, this research aims to understand the approach to journalism by small-town weekly newspapers. The research explores how small-town weekly newspapers in rural America are faring in the current emergent media environment. Are these newspapers surviving the digital age or are they experiencing the similar hardships larger daily newspapers are facing, including revenue and circulation declines, and in some cases product elimination?
The research also investigates whether or not the small-town journalism approach is different than it is for larger daily newspapers by theoretically and conceptually examining the routine practices of news gathering used by news workers, the identity formations of weekly newspaper journalists, and the journalists’ and community members’ perceptions of the weekly newspaper’s role in the community. To accomplish this, the researcher has used quantitative and qualitative research techniques, including a large-scale survey directed at weekly newspaper publishers, a thematic content analysis of weekly newspaper content, and in-depth interviews with news workers and community members, to conduct an analysis of news production in small towns in Iowa.
Focusing on small-town weekly newspapers is crucial because the close, frequent and often personal interactions of small-town journalists with their audiences create the potential for a more direct effect on community members’ everyday lives. In addition to contributing to the understanding of small-town community news production, this research offers news industry leaders and practitioners insight into a different, more personally engaged, approach to journalism.