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Facebook is placing a stronger emphasis on local news in its feed, aiming to highlight stories from nearby publishers that are most relevant to users’ daily lives. The platform says the move is part of its ongoing effort to help people stay informed and engaged within their communities.
Why Local News Matters for Engagement
Mark Zuckerberg first introduced the idea in 2018, citing research that shows people who regularly follow local stories are more likely to participate in civic activities. To support this, Facebook adjusted its algorithm to prioritize posts from publishers with a strong local readership, particularly when those stories generate interaction from a user’s friends.
By early 2018, the change was rolled out across the U.S., and later expanded globally, benefiting both small-town newspapers and niche local outlets.
2025 Feed: Local Content Retains Priority in the AI Era
In 2025, even as Meta integrates more AI-driven ranking systems, local publications continue to receive additional visibility. The current algorithm includes a “News Ecosystem Quality” score, which rewards outlets producing transparent, original reporting.
Alongside these updates, Facebook is introducing a “Friends tab,” designed to make it easier for users to connect directly with personal contacts, away from algorithm-heavy main feeds.
Why Local News Matter for Communities
Many local journalism outlets face declining revenue, reduced trust, and shrinking audiences. This renewed emphasis on local news could provide a boost, giving communities better access to reliable, relevant information.
However, as Meta reduces its reliance on dedicated news tabs, scales back publisher partnerships, and limits the reach of political content, the broader news ecosystem still faces uncertainty.
While Facebook’s local-first approach aims to strengthen community bonds, experts caution that without a balance of diverse news sources, the initiative could unintentionally narrow users’ perspectives. The long-term impact will depend on whether the platform can both encourage civic engagement and maintain a healthy mix of information.
