Local news counts: a focus upon local news and its effects on community attachment

To what extent does a focus upon local news affect residents' expressed attachment to their community? Albeit relatively unexplored in previous research, an examination of this effect might significantly improve social science understanding of attachment, a key element of community quality of life. This research examined the effect of a focus upon local news on community attachment using a conceptual model informed by three sociological approaches: linear-development, systemic model, and social capital. The model was evaluated by the extent to which it fit data gathered from a social survey of 860 adults living in rural areas within 10-selected states. The results indicate that a focus upon local news has a strong direct effect on community attachment. Implications are discussed with respect to how community attachment might be improved by fostering a greater focus upon local news.