Tressa Bush has spent her career telling stories that matter. As a journalist, historian, and media producer, she understands how local news connects communities. But with media changing fast, she believes local journalists must adapt to stay relevant.
A recently published article on Success Blueprints highlights her thoughts on the evolution of local news. It covers her career, her approach to storytelling, and her vision for the future. The piece also explores her work with historical preservation and digital media.
How Local News is Changing
For decades, people relied on newspapers and TV for their local news. Now, that’s shifting. According to a 2023 Pew Research Center report, newspaper circulation has dropped by 50% in 20 years. Local TV news is also losing viewers. More people get their news from social media, websites, and digital platforms.
“Local news isn’t dying,” Tressa says in the article. “It’s evolving. The challenge is knowing how to adapt.”
She argues that local journalists must embrace new ways to engage their audience. This means moving beyond traditional reporting and focusing on storytelling that connects emotionally.
A Career Built on Storytelling
Tressa Bush built her career on storytelling that connects with people. She started as a general assignment television news reporter, covering everything from local government to human interest stories. Later, she became a feature writer for the Carthage Courier, where she won two Tennessee State Press Awards for her engaging and heartfelt reporting.
Her work with Tennessee Crossroads on WNPT-TV 8 brought Tennessee’s unique people and places to a wider audience, showcasing small-town charm and local traditions.
For Tressa, good journalism has always been about more than just reporting the news—it’s about capturing the heart of a community. She believes local news outlets still have a vital role, but they must evolve.
With fewer people watching local TV news and print readership declining, the focus needs to shift toward digital storytelling, video content, and social media engagement.
Why Community Engagement Matters
Tressa believes local journalists should focus on what matters most to their audience. That means covering stories that impact everyday people.
“News isn’t just about headlines,” she explains. “It’s about connection. People want stories that reflect their lives and their communities.”
Her work with the Smith County Historical Tourism Society (SCHTS) is an example. The group hosts events that bring history to life, like reenactments of World War II Tennessee Maneuvers. These events draw visitors from across the state to Carthage.
This type of engagement could work for local news, too. Instead of just reporting facts, news outlets should explore what makes their communities unique. Local heroes, small businesses, and neighborhood issues deserve attention. These are the stories people care about.
The Role of Digital Media
Tressa also sees digital storytelling as the future. She runs Misspelled Productions and Media, where she produces video content, photography, and historical features. Her YouTube videos about Tennessee history have attracted thousands of viewers.
“People want content where they already spend time,” she says. “If news outlets rely only on TV or print, they’re missing entire generations of readers.”
To stay relevant, local news organizations must embrace digital platforms. This means investing in social media, online video, and interactive content. Many local stations already see increased engagement on YouTube and Facebook, even as TV viewership declines.
Some news outlets now focus on hyper-local stories—small-scale issues that matter to a specific community. Others involve audiences directly by letting them shape coverage.
“Journalism isn’t a one-way street anymore,” Tressa says. “People want to be part of the story.”
Tressa’s work blends old and new. She believes history has a place in modern storytelling. Understanding the past helps shape the future.
“People care about their history,” she says. “It’s what ties us all together.”
She encourages journalists to embrace digital media but stay true to journalism’s core values—trust, connection, and relevance.
Final Thoughts
Local news is changing, but that doesn’t mean it’s fading away. Tressa Bush believes the future of local journalism depends on strong storytelling, community engagement, and digital innovation.
As more people turn to social media and online platforms for news, traditional outlets must adapt to keep their audiences informed. She emphasizes that local news still matters—it just needs to meet people where they are.
By embracing digital storytelling and highlighting the voices that shape a community, journalists can keep local news relevant and engaging. Tressa remains optimistic, saying that with the right approach, local journalism can thrive in this evolving media landscape.