A new study from Rice University finds that criticism from Republican politicians significantly influences how people—especially Republicans—view and engage with local news.
The research comes as White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt used her first briefing to welcome “new media” while raising concerns about traditional news outlets.
Constant attacks
The study surveyed 3,653 people to assess how Republican-led attacks on local news affect public trust. Participants were split into two groups: one read a neutral press release on voter registration, while the other read a Republican politician’s criticism of a major local newspaper.
The impact was striking. Before hearing the attack, 74% of Republican voters in the control group trusted their local news source. After the criticism, only 43% did. Democrats showed a smaller, 7% drop in trust, while trust among independents fell by 28%. Even regular readers of local news were not immune—familiarity with an outlet did little to protect against the effects of political attacks.
“Local news has long been a trusted lifeline for communities, but that trust is surprisingly fragile,” the researchers note.
Political risks
The study also warns of risks for politicians. While attacking local news can erode trust in the media, it can also backfire, damaging the credibility of those making the claims. Many politicians, aware of this, maintain good relationships with local outlets despite broader partisan battles.
Despite these challenges, local news remains popular. Over 70% of Americans still hold favorable views of their hometown news sources, even as trust in national media declines. But the study cautions that continued attacks could push local outlets into the same polarized space as major national networks.
“Local journalism has long been considered one of the last strongholds of public trust,” the authors conclude. “But our study shows that this trust can crumble quickly when political leaders target it.”
The lesson? Local news remains vital for keeping communities informed, but it is not invincible. As political criticism intensifies, both journalists and the public will need to work to protect its credibility.
