The problem is scale!
The fact that consumers are more likely to trust their local news outlets, ought to present an opportunity for media brands if the issue of scale can be addressed. Trust in local news is actually quite high, a lot higher than in what most would consider mainstream media. About 76% of folks trust local news versus around 50% for national media. The problem is scale. Achieving scale through local news is challenging. Adding contextually relevant digital audience extension to local news may be a great way to go. GO CHANGE!!!