In 2018, the University of Oregon’s Agora Journalism Center and the City of La Pine collaborated to assess how residents access, trust, and use local news and civic information. Through a community-wide survey, stakeholder interviews, and listening sessions, the project aimed to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities in La Pine’s information ecosystem.
The findings revealed that while residents value staying informed—particularly on local events, public safety, and community development—there is no single, centralized source of information. Trust in news was generally higher for hyperlocal sources like Wise Buys Ads & More and KBNZ Local 21, but residents reported uneven access to timely, relevant updates. Limited broadband infrastructure and a strong reliance on word of mouth and bulletin boards shape how information circulates in this rural community.
Key Insights
- No dominant, comprehensive news source: Residents rely on a patchwork of outlets including Wise Buys, The Newberry Eagle, local TV, Facebook, and printed flyers.
- Physical information spaces remain central: Grocery store bulletin boards, the library, and local businesses are key distribution points.
- Connectivity challenges: Limited broadband access in some areas affects the reach of online information.
- Trust tied to local identity: Sources with deep community roots enjoy higher trust than regional or national outlets.
- High interest in public safety and local governance: Residents want more coverage of city council decisions, emergency alerts, and infrastructure projects.
Recommendations
- Create a Central Information Hub: Develop a centralized, community-managed website or bulletin that aggregates local news, events, and civic updates.
- Enhance Physical Distribution: Expand bulletin boards and flyer distribution in high-traffic areas; ensure printed content complements digital updates.
- Strengthen Partnerships Between Outlets: Encourage collaboration between Wise Buys, The Newberry Eagle, local broadcasters, and civic organizations to share resources and content.
- Improve Emergency Communication Systems: Develop clear, accessible channels for urgent public safety updates across multiple formats.
- Expand Digital Access: Explore broadband initiatives and community Wi-Fi zones to improve connectivity for residents.
To read the full report and explore our detailed findings and recommendations, click the “Read The Report” link to the right.