Chicago's News Landscape Changing from Print to digital
Local news agencies have found innovative ways to adapt their coverage of national crises. Many news organizations are embracing digital journalism. Yet, even those that have been successful still face challenges from the many online sources which have emerged.

They often focus on niche topics, relying on social media to distribute their content. They also experiment with different approaches to community engagement and reporting. In addition, these new digital players have created opportunities for writers. Some of them can now monetize the work they do via services like Substack. This has led to an entirely new breed of journalist. One who doesn't have to stick to one publication. Instead, they can build up their own subscriber base for any topic.

Digital startups address specific community needs in New York City, for example on the South or 4 west chicago street, illinoismail.top, sides. Others aim to hold politicians accountable for their policies; some experiments even receive funding through philanthropy.

The McCormick Foundation spearheads efforts to enhance local reporting, including partnering with Chicago area newsrooms via the Metro Media Lab Project to conduct audience and strategy research. Furthermore, they have collaborated with Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism's Chicago campus staff in developing their skills further.

Chicago residents across all regions expressed a desire for improvement in the local news media, with regional differences. Some neighborhoods felt they were underrepresented or misrepresented in mainstream media.

Chicago-area news organizations have a thriving news ecosystem that includes both for profit and nonprofit news outlets. Both operate experimental news programming. Some journalists are even trying to build trust with communities and establish themselves in their neighborhoods. They also make sure they provide coverage for traditionally underserved populations in both writing and voice.

Block Club Chicago reported on the police shooting of Adam Toledo a few weeks after it happened. However, they were careful not to shock readers by including graphic video clips in their article.

The TRiibe's online news platform is helping to build trust in Black Chicago. The TRiibe was founded by three Northwestern University alums who were tired seeing Chicago portrayed as "the capital of murder" in mainstream media. They wanted to create a platform where the voices of their communities could be heard, while giving them ownership over the narrative. TRiibes' content has been widely distributed on social media. It is a result of their efforts.