ABSTRACT
Local news media have two masters: the communities they inform, and the revenue streams that sustain them. This chapter considers the pros and cons of different business models and ownership types within the local news sector around the world, from corporate ‘chain’ ownership and family-owned media dynasties to ‘mom and pop’ independents and nonprofit media foundations. The authors contend that ownership models are less influential on sustainability than how those media are managed. In the end, a community-focused management style, adaptive to changing idiosyncrasies and diversities within each community, has proven to be the most sustainable approach.
