Ohio, West Virginia • NEWS

Stay Informed About Ohio & West Virginia Local News

Get personalized local news, community updates, and regional coverage from Ohio and West Virginia delivered straight to your inbox – no more digging through scattered sources.

Why Ohio News?

In Ohio and West Virginia, the local news landscape is facing a tough reality: traditional newspapers are closing at an alarming rate, leaving rural communities in 'news deserts' with limited access to vital information. Ohio, in particular, has just 7.9 journalists per 100,000 residents – below the national average – meaning places like Gallia, Vinton, and Noble counties often have less than one full-time reporter covering everything from school boards to local events. While TV news remains a stable lifeline, with viewership holding steady and programming expanding to 6.6 hours per station daily, digital replacements haven't filled the gaps, especially in rural areas where residents rely on metro coverage for big stories but miss the everyday updates that build community. West Virginia mirrors these national trends, though specific data is sparse, with rural spots underserved and people turning to a mix of TV, radio, and scattered online sources to stay connected. The result? Busy folks like you end up overwhelmed, checking multiple apps and sites for news on jobs, events, or even the latest restaurant openings, while important local stories slip through the cracks. Briefsy changes that by curating everything into one personalized newsletter tailored to your Ohio and West Virginia interests, plus whatever else lights you up – all free and effortless. Imagine starting your day with a single email that covers the regional headlines, community happenings, and personalized picks, without the clutter. It's not just news; it's the peace of mind that comes from feeling truly connected to your corner of the world.

Quick Facts

Ohio ranks 31st nationally in local journalism density with only 7.9 journalists per 100,000 residents, leaving 13 counties with less than one full-time reporter.
The U.S. now has 213 'news deserts' – counties with severely limited local news – hitting rural Ohio and West Virginia hard.
Local TV news viewership is stable, with stations averaging 6.6 hours of weekday programming in 2022, serving as a key source for Ohio residents.
Athens County, Ohio, stands out with 76 journalist equivalents, boosted by student-led outlets like Ohio University's The Post.
Nationally, 75% of local journalists have been lost over the past two decades, dropping from 40 to 8.1 per 100,000 people.
Digital ad revenue for local TV grew 23% to $2 billion in 2022, but it only makes up 9% of total revenue, showing a slow shift online.

Tired of Missing Out?

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Local news buried in national headlines, making it hard to find what matters in your Ohio or West Virginia community

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Juggling multiple sources – TV, papers, apps – just to stay updated on events, jobs, and restaurants

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Missing important stories due to journalism shortages in rural counties like Gallia or Vinton

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Generic coverage that skips the hyper-local details you need for daily life

How Briefsy Helps

One personalized newsletter blending Ohio & West Virginia local news with your other passions – sports, tech, or family updates

Curated coverage from trusted sources like WOUB and The Post, tailored to your schedule and style

Fills the news desert gaps with relevant regional stories on jobs, events, and community vibes

Completely free forever, no ads or overload – just the info you care about, delivered effortlessly

Local News Sources & Media

Ohio and West Virginia's media mix includes shrinking newspapers, steady TV stations, and emerging digital outlets, but rural areas struggle with coverage. TV remains the go-to for many, with major networks like Nexstar and Gray owning stations that deliver consistent local broadcasts. Newspapers and radio fill some gaps, but closures have led to reliance on community and student journalism in spots like southeast Ohio. Digital sites are growing in metros but not enough to replace lost print jobs.

WOUB Public Media: Athens-based NPR affiliate providing southeast Ohio news, including in-depth rural coverage.
The Post (Ohio University): Student-run newspaper serving Athens County with strong local reporting on events and issues.
The Athens County Independent: Community-focused print and digital outlet highlighting local stories in a journalism 'bright spot'.
Nexstar Media Group: Owns multiple Ohio TV stations like WBNS in Columbus, delivering stable local news programming.
Gray Television: Operates stations across Ohio and West Virginia, focusing on regional broadcasts and election coverage.

Staying Informed in Ohio & West Virginia

Residents in these states often turn to TV for breaking news and elections, but journalism shortages mean inconsistent coverage of community issues like government accountability and local events. In rural Ohio counties, people supplement with metro reports or online searches, while Athens benefits from robust student journalism. West Virginia faces similar rural voids, with folks piecing together info from radio and digital sources – but it's fragmented, leading to missed stories and lower engagement.

Rural counties like Gallia and Vinton have just 0.1 journalist equivalents, relying on nearby metro reporters for major events only.
TV news holds steady as the preferred source, informing communities on politics and weather without the decline seen in print.
Student journalism at Ohio University boosts coverage in Athens, covering education, culture, and development.
News deserts reduce accountability, with experts noting fewer eyes on local government in underserved areas.
Digital sites are metro-heavy, leaving West Virginia rural spots without consistent online local news options.

Common Questions

What makes this different from local news sites?

Briefsy creates ONE personalized newsletter combining Ohio and West Virginia local news with all your other interests - tech, sports, finance, entertainment, whatever matters to you. No more juggling multiple subscriptions or hunting through fragmented sources like TV and papers.

Will I get breaking news alerts?

Briefsy delivers curated newsletters on your schedule (daily, weekly, etc.) rather than breaking news alerts. It's designed to keep you informed on regional stories without the noise and interruptions, pulling from stable sources like local TV and outlets such as The Post.

Can I customize what local topics I follow?

Absolutely! During setup, you tell our AI about your specific interests - local politics, business, education, crime, development in places like Athens or rural counties. We'll curate coverage that matches, addressing the journalism gaps in Ohio and West Virginia.

Ready to Stay Connected to Ohio?

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