Local News is in Crisis—But Communities Showed Up
Local news outlets have been experiencing a crisis nationwide, and New Mexico is no exception. According to “News Deserts” research from the University of North Carolina, four counties in New Mexico had no newspapers, and 22 counties had only one. When communities lack trusted local news sources, civic engagement declines, directly threatening our democracy.
But in December 2024, New Mexicans stepped up.
From December 1 through 31, we ran our 4th Annual New Mexico Local News Matching Campaign, giving 19 participating newsrooms across the state the opportunity to receive up to $7,500 in matched donations. That meant every dollar contributed during the campaign was doubled—supporting coverage of essential topics like education, the environment, health, transportation, and economic opportunity.
People across the state showed just how much they value local journalism. Their support made it clear that communities are willing to invest in news that informs and connects them.
Read the full report on the 2024 Matching Campaign and on Medium to see the impact, meet the participating newsrooms, and learn what’s next for local journalism in New Mexico.
Questa del Rio News
The nonprofit Questa del Rio News is a local newspaper published monthly in print and online serving Questa, Red River, San Cristobal, Lama, Cerro, Costilla, and Amalia. We are "Community Supported Media". Your support allows us to continue our mission: To Inform, Inspire, Connect, and Unite the Communities of Northern Taos County. Misión: Informar, inspirar, contactar, y unir a toda la comunidad del norte del condado de Taos.
City Desk ABQ
City Desk ABQ is an independent nonprofit newsroom serving and supported by readers and institutions working together to become more informed and better engaged residents of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County.
Searchlight New Mexico
Searchlight New Mexico is a nonprofit and nonpartisan investigative news organization focused on the systemic issues that impact everyday New Mexicans. We believe that great reporting can motivate all New Mexicans to confront racial and economic inequities, government corruption and negligence, and abuses of power.
New Mexico in Depth
New Mexico In Depth is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that depends on community support from people who believe in journalism that digs deep, holds power accountable, and tells stories through the viewpoints of on the ground New Mexicans.
New Mexico Jewish Journal
The New Mexico Jewish Journal is an independent online publication launched in 2024, New Mexico Jewish Journal: keeping us connected with news, arts, culture and spirituality. Our mission statement is to connect, inform, enrich and celebrate the vibrant and diverse Jewish communities of New Mexico and the region.
Santa Fe Reporter
Monthly support and one-time donations can be made in any amount and help support local, lively, independent journalism in our weekly print edition and every day online. Santa Fe Reporter has been providing alternative news and culture since 1974.
Gila/Mimbres Community Radio KURU 89.1 FM
GMCR operates a non-commercial volunteer based community radio station in Silver City that provides programming and media access to segments of the community that are underserved.
KCCC Radio 930 AM
KCCC-AM is a classic country radio station serving Carlsbad, Artesia, Seven Rivers and southeast New Mexico. KCCC hosts a twice weekly community forum to focus on important local issues and has plans to increase its local news coverage specific to southeast New Mexico.
Southwest Contemporary
Southwest Contemporary is the leading resource for contemporary arts and culture in the Southwest. Headquartered in Santa Fe, New Mexico and in print since 1992, Southwest Contemporary publishes curated and critical perspectives on contemporary arts and culture throughout the Southwest.
UpLift Chronicles
The New Mexico Black Leadership Council (NMBLC) publishes the UpLift Chronicles each month. It focuses on Albuquerque's International District and also serves as a voice for Black and other underserved communities in the metro, and across the state. In addition to the digital edition, approximately 4,000 copies are distributed each month.
KSFR Public Radio
KSFR is community inspired and supported radio. Our variety format offers a listening landscape of independent non-commercial programming that strives to engage, enrich, entertain and educate the vibrant communities we serve.
Green Fire Times
Green Fire Times is a platform for regional, community-based voices—useful information for residents, businesspeople, students and visitors—anyone interested in the history and spirit of New Mexico and the Southwest.
Mountainair Dispatch
The Mountainair Dispatch is an independent publication launched in November 2022 by Todd Brogowski who saw a gap in news coverage for the Torrance County area, and believed a low-cost, hyper-local news service could serve the county better than a traditional newspaper.
KENW Public Media
KENW public media offers public broadcasting for eastern New Mexico and west Texas from Eastern New Mexico University.
Santa Fe New Mexican
The Santa Fe New Mexican is a daily newspaper published online and in print in Santa Fe. It is nicknamed "the oldest newspaper in the west" as the first edition was printed in 1848. It features local news, arts, and opinion coverage in Santa Fe and northern New Mexico.
Abiquiu News
Abiquiu News is a news hub for Abiquiu and surrounding areas, bridging communities and supporting local businesses, non-profits and individuals.
Cloudcroft Reader
Launched in October 2023, the Cloudcroft Reader is published by Sacramento Mountain News LLC and has quickly become the most-widely read and respected publication for the greater Cloudcroft community. It is a free service. By subscribing, you’ll receive periodic updates about interesting people, important local issues, and fun events.
Hobbs News-Sun
Hobbs News-Sun has a staff of professionally trained journalists and sales executives that work to bring readers the latest in real news and shopping choices in Lea County.
Roswell Daily Record
The Roswell Daily Record is a daily newspaper serving Roswell, New Mexico, covering local news, events, sports, and culture. Founded in 1897, it is notable for its connection to the 1947 Roswell UFO incident, a key part of the town's history. The paper remains an important news source for the region.
Boomtown Los Alamos
Boomtown was started in 2023 with the belief that Los Alamos County, in a time of great change, needs a source of independent, in-depth, and non-partisan journalism focused on that change. Its goal is to build a stronger and more connected community through comprehensive reporting and analysis of issues affecting our dynamic region.
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