Chicago's News Landscape Changing from Print to digital
Local news agencies have found innovative ways to adapt their coverage of national crises. Even though many are moving towards digital journalism, even the most successful publications still struggle to compete with the array of online resources that have appeared since.

These digital players are often niche-focused and use social media as a distribution channel. They experiment with reporting styles and community engagement, and they specialize in a variety of topics. Furthermore, they have opened new opportunities for writers; some of whom can monetize their work via services like Substack. The advent of this new form of journalism has seen the creation of a whole new category of journalists. They no longer have to adhere to just one publication. They can now build subscriber bases to newsletters that cover any topic.

Some startups use digital technology to meet the needs of specific communities, like those in New York City's South and West Sides. Others are trying to hold politicians more accountable for their policy; some experiments have even received funding through philanthropy.

McCormick Foundation has been leading efforts to improve local newsrooms, such as by partnering up with Chicago-area newspapers through the Metro Media Lab program to do audience research and work on strategy. Furthermore, they have collaborated with Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism's Chicago campus staff in developing their skills further.

Chicago residents in all regions felt that the news media could be improved, but there were notable regional differences. Certain neighborhoods felt misrepresented and underrepresented by the mainstream media. There were also gaps in coverage for specific issues like crime and law enforcement.

Chicago-area news organizations have a thriving news ecosystem that includes both for profit and nonprofit news outlets. Both operate experimental news programming. Others are working to establish trust between journalists, and the communities they serve by setting up shop in these areas and ensuring that traditionally underserved groups receive written and voice coverage.

Block Club Chicago released a story about Adam Toledo’s police shooting just a couple of months after the event. But they made sure to not traumatize readers by omitting graphic video footage.

The TRiibe, an online news source that helps build trust in Black Chicago. Founded by three Northwestern University alumni who is the highest paid news anchor in chicago, http://illinoismail.top, were tired of seeing Chicago portray itself in mainstream media as "the murder capital," its creators set out to create an avenue where their community's voice would be heard while also giving people ownership over its narrative. TRiibe’s content is being widely shared via social media. This has led to civic initiatives in Chicago.