By Frank Macek
The national press has been wrestling with how to responsibly cover Trump for nearly a decade. But this isn’t just a dilemma for CNN, Fox News, or The New York Times. Local newsrooms—TV, radio, and newspapers—must also grapple with the question: How do we cover Trump in a way that informs without inflaming, that protects democracy without compromising journalistic standards, and that fiercely defends the First Amendment in the process?
This is a challenge that must be taken seriously, because how we cover Trump going forward has deep implications for public trust, civic understanding, and the integrity of the press—especially at the local level where much of the country still gets its news.
The National Media’s Trump Problem—and What We’ve Learned
Let’s begin with some self-reflection.
The national media, over the years, helped build the Trump juggernaut—initially unintentionally. The wall-to-wall live rally coverage, the constant “breaking news” alerts for every tweet or tirade, the obsession with horse-race polling over policy—it all gave Trump a massive platform, often without context or correction.
To be fair, Trump is a former president and a current presidential candidate. He commands attention. His actions and words matter. But there’s a line between coverage and amplification, between journalism and spectacle. The national press has slowly learned that lesson—fact-checking in real time, avoiding false equivalence, and labeling lies clearly. The Trump coverage now, while still flawed, is more grounded and less reactive than it was in 2016.
But while the national media has been forced into this evolution, local media hasn’t always had the same reckoning. And that’s where the next phase of journalistic responsibility must take root.
Why Local Media Matters More Than Ever
Local media is where most Americans still encounter the news—especially in smaller towns, rural areas, and underserved communities. Local TV stations, newspapers, and radio outlets shape how people understand national stories through a local lens. That makes them more trusted—but also more vulnerable to manipulation if they’re not careful.
When Trump talks about “rigged elections,” “fake news,” or “deep state prosecutors,” he’s not just talking to national audiences. His message filters down to local communities where trust in institutions is already under strain. Local journalists are then left to field the fallout—whether that’s election deniers showing up at school board meetings or threats to local poll workers and reporters themselves.
That’s why local media has an enormous responsibility not just to report on Trump, but to contextualize him. To explain what’s happening, why it matters, and what’s true. And to do it with clarity, courage, and a commitment to democratic principles.
Editorial Independence Without Fear
But editorial independence must come first. The media’s job is not to appease—it’s to inform. If a candidate—any candidate—spreads misinformation, local media must have the resolve to call it out. That may invite criticism, angry letters, or even canceled subscriptions. But the cost of silence is far greater than the price of temporary backlash.
Local stations must also empower their anchors and reporters to tell the truth plainly and without euphemism. The temptation to “play it safe” or “just quote both sides” must give way to real reporting. That doesn’t mean becoming partisan—it means being precise. The truth isn’t left or right; it’s just the truth.
Avoiding the Trap of Spectacle
Trump’s political playbook is built on provocation. He knows how to drive headlines, dominate coverage, and turn criticism into currency. Local media must resist falling into that trap.
Just because Trump visits your town doesn’t mean his entire rally should air unedited. Just because he makes a shocking claim at a courthouse press conference doesn’t mean it deserves banner headlines. Instead, local newsrooms should provide context: What’s actually happening? What do the courts say? What does history tell us?
This doesn’t mean ignoring the news. Trump is newsworthy. But “newsworthy” doesn’t mean unfiltered. Coverage must be thoughtful, not reactionary. Editors must ask: Does this serve the public interest? Does it help our audience understand the story? Does it align with our standards of accuracy and integrity?
Defending the First Amendment Locally
The First Amendment doesn’t just protect the New York Times. It protects your neighborhood weekly paper. Your small-market CBS affiliate. Your local talk radio station.
And yet, Trump’s anti-press rhetoric has real consequences at the local level. Many journalists across the country—myself included—have seen increased hostility at public events, rallies, and even in the inbox. “Fake news” accusations aren’t just shouted at CNN anymore—they’re lobbed at high school sports reporters and weather anchors.
That’s why local media must not only uphold First Amendment values, but speak openly about them. Explain to your viewers why press freedom matters. Show your community how you verify information. Invite transparency. And when your newsroom is attacked unfairly, don’t retreat—respond with facts and with strength.
Our credibility isn’t just built on what we report—it’s built on how we report it and whether we defend our right to do so.
Election Coverage and the Local Lens
With another major election cycle underway, the stakes for local media couldn’t be higher. Trump is already challenging the legitimacy of the process. That means local reporters will be on the frontlines—covering everything from early voting rules to protests at ballot drop boxes.
Accuracy and transparency are critical. Local newsrooms should double down on election education: explain how voting works, how ballots are counted, how fraud claims are investigated, and what safeguards exist. Don’t just cover the horse race—cover the process.
And when misinformation surfaces—as it inevitably will—be ready. Create dedicated “Truth vs. Rumor” segments. Partner with election boards for on-air Q&As. Don’t let bad information fill a vacuum that good journalism should occupy.
Supporting Reporters and Newsrooms on the Ground
Let’s also be honest: local journalism is under-resourced. Many stations and newspapers operate with skeleton staffs. Budgets are tight. Beats are stretched. That makes quality Trump coverage harder—but not impossible.
This is the time for collaboration. National outlets should partner with local ones to share data and context. Journalism schools can help by training young reporters in political fact-checking and digital literacy. Communities themselves can support local media by subscribing, donating, or simply engaging respectfully.
Because democracy doesn’t survive on autopilot. It takes people—reporters, editors, anchors, and readers—doing the hard work every day to make it function.
Final Thoughts
Covering Donald Trump is one of the greatest challenges modern journalism has faced. But it’s also an opportunity: a chance to reaffirm what journalism is for.
Trump’s ability to provoke, mislead, and mobilize is well known. What’s less often discussed is the role local media plays in pushing back—calmly, clearly, and consistently. This isn’t about being “anti-Trump.” It’s about being pro-truth. Pro-democracy. Pro-First Amendment.
Local news outlets are the connective tissue of this country. They are where neighbors learn about each other, where school board decisions are debated, and where the national story becomes personal. That makes local media not just important—but essential.
So here’s the challenge to my fellow journalists, especially at the local level: Let’s rise to meet this moment. Let’s report boldly, factually, and fairly. Let’s protect our rights by exercising them. And let’s never forget why we do this work—not for ratings or retweets, but for the public good.
Because in the end, it’s not just our profession on the line. It’s the future of a free press—and a free country.
