While it’s easy to Google the latest national headlines, that won’t tell you when a beloved bookstore is opening downtown, why traffic is detoured near the high school, or how your local taxes might change next year. That kind of information – the kind that directly affects your daily life – comes from one place: your local news source.
Small, independent newspapers cover what larger outlets can’t or won’t: hyperlocal news. They show up at the school board meetings, cover city council debates, highlight small business openings, and share profiles of your neighbors. They remind us of who we are as a community. That kind of coverage isn’t just informative – it’s connective. It helps define a shared identity and gives everyone a seat at the table.
But right now, we’re losing that connection. On average, two local newspapers shut down every week in the United States. And with them go the voices, stories, and civic information that knit communities together.
So why is keeping local news alive more important than ever? Because without it, misinformation spreads, civic engagement drops, and our sense of belonging weakens. It’s not just the loss of headlines – it’s the loss of accountability, because no one is left to ask tough questions at city hall or school board meetings. It’s the loss of transparency, because decisions that affect your taxes, your roads, and your schools can go unnoticed and unchecked. And it’s the loss of community identity, because without shared stories, events, and voices, we stop seeing ourselves as part of something larger.
Thankfully, there’s a shift happening. While print editions may be disappearing, small, independent online newspapers are rising to take their place. In fact, a 2021 poll found that 86 percent of Americans now get at least some of their news from online sources.
This transition matters. Online local news outlets are often more nimble, publishing timely updates as events unfold. And they're always accessible – on your phone, tablet, or laptop – without a trip to a newsstand or a subscription login. That means you can stay informed wherever you are, without cost being a barrier.
Right here in Southern Maine, Saco Bay News is doing just that. Founded in 2020, Saco Bay News covers Saco, Biddeford, and Old Orchard Beach, providing current, dependable news – without a paywall. No subscription required. No clickbait. Just real, local stories.
That matters more than you might think. A reliable source like Saco Bay News helps prevent the spread of misinformation by offering clear, verified facts. It keeps you in the loop on city planning and school board decisions. It offers a platform for community voices and local perspectives you might not hear anywhere else. And it helps support local businesses – whether by spotlighting new ventures or offering affordable advertising opportunities.
So yes, you can scroll through national headlines. But when you want to know what’s happening on your street, in your schools, and around your town – the place where you live your life – you need local news.
And your community needs it too.
Liz is an established journalist with more than 15 years experience covering local news in Southern Maine. She is the Publisher and founder of Saco Bay News, an online local news source for the Maine coastal communities of Saco, Old Orchard Beach and Biddeford. A Connecticut transplant, she is forever in awe of the beauty of Maine, and happy to call the Pine Tree State home. She lives in Old Orchard Beach, and enjoys attending local community events, walking the beach, and exploring Biddeford’s restaurant scene. Liz can be reached at www.sacobaynews.com.
