Shaping Narratives: The Role of Local TV News in Establishing Knowledge and Public Trust
1. Sunil Menon, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Student, India
2. S ThiyagaRajan, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Professor, India
Local television news remains a vital source of information for millions of people worldwide. Its unique position within communities allows it to shape public knowledge and build trust in ways other media cannot. This research paper explores how local TV news influences public perception, fosters community trust, and significantly shapes knowledge about critical regional and national issues. We also examine how the rise of digital media challenges the traditional role of local TV news and its ability to maintain public trust in an era of misinformation and fragmented audiences.
Local TV news public trust knowledge dissemination community journalism digital media media trust misinformation local news anchors audience fragmentation social media
Local TV news continues to play a critical role in shaping public knowledge and establishing trust, particularly in smaller communities. However, the media landscape is changing rapidly, and local TV news must adapt to remain relevant. By leveraging digital platforms while focusing on community-specific stories, local TV news can continue to foster trust and provide essential knowledge to the public. The ability to adapt will ultimately determine whether local TV news remains a cornerstone of trusted journalism in the years to come.
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The sole responsibility for the study design, data gathering, results analysis, and manuscript drafting lies with the author.
The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, or publication of this article from any funding agencies.
No particular software or tools were employed in this study.
All authors confirm that there are no conflicts of interest associated with this research.
My thanks go to those who assisted with this study and manuscript preparation, and to the peer reviewers for their constructive feedback.
No data are available for sharing in this research.