Local Media Needs Funding from Social Media Giants

By the Editorial Team · Monday, September 14, 2026

The Hastings Independent Press, a volunteer-run local newspaper, continues to operate without external funding despite financial challenges and reliance on shrinking small business advertising revenue. Advocates are urging social media companies to provide financial support to community news outlets like HIP to ensure their sustainability and preserve local democratic engagement.

Local journalism faces increasing financial challenges as traditional revenue streams continue to dwindle, raising calls for social media companies to contribute funding to support community news outlets.

The Hastings Independent Press (HIP), a bi-weekly, 24-page newspaper serving the Hastings area, illustrates the resilience and difficulties of local media. Operating entirely through volunteer efforts, HIP has produced 310 issues over 11 years without securing grant funding or owning dedicated office space or equipment. Instead, the publication relies largely on advertising revenue from small businesses, which have also been experiencing economic strains due to declining income and rising operational costs.

HIP’s editorial team, composed of volunteers, not only produce content but also mentor new writers, fostering community involvement and journalistic skills. Distribution logistics further challenge the publication’s sustainability, with staff currently managing delivery of approximately 7,000 print copies to local shops without dedicated resources.

Advocates for local journalism point to the growing dominance and financial success of large social media platforms as a potential source of funding to help preserve community-focused news. Proposals have included levying a tax on major social media companies to provide direct support for local news organisations struggling to maintain operations.

Supporters argue that such measures would enable grassroots outlets like HIP to move beyond a precarious “hand to mouth” existence, allowing for better planning, investment in staff and resources, and improved distribution networks. This, they contend, would strengthen local democracy and ensure communities continue to receive timely and relevant information.

While the idea of imposing financial contributions from social media giants towards local journalism remains under discussion, the experience of HIP underscores the urgent need to address the economic vulnerabilities faced by independent community news providers amid a rapidly changing media landscape.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.