Championing local news since 1878
Local journalists ask hard questions, uncover important information and share stories that bring neighbors together. CPA champions the people and news organizations doing that work across Colorado.
Why local news matters
From the decisions that shape our communities to the businesses that bring them to life, local news helps Colorado stay informed, connected and strong.
From school board decisions and local taxes to wildfire updates and high school sports, local news helps Coloradans make informed decisions and stay connected to their communities.
9 in 10
Local news tells residents what’s opening, closing and coming to town, connects businesses with nearby customers and helps communities make sound economic choices.
7 in 10
From covering public meetings to examining how tax dollars are spent, local journalists ask tough questions, uncover important information and hold those in power accountable.
74%
In a national survey conducted for Press Forward, 87% of Americans said local news matters to them personally.
In Colorado
According to the Colorado Local News Market Study, 81% of Colorado adults read a local print or digital newspaper each month.
The Colorado Market Study (2022), conducted by Coda Ventures for CPA, reports that 69% of surveyed Colorado adults took at least one action after reading a print or digital newspaper ad, such as searching online, visiting a website or making a purchase.
Survey context
The online survey included 601 Colorado adults age 18 and older and was fielded November 30–December 14, 2021.
Coda Ventures, The Colorado Market Study (2022), p. 20; methodology p. 50.
Pew Research Center found in 2024 that 74% of Americans believe criticism from news organizations helps keep political leaders from doing things they shouldn’t.
A separate API/NORC survey found that 73% consider holding political leaders accountable a very or extremely important responsibility of news organizations.
In Colorado
The Colorado Local News Market Study found that local newspapers rank No. 1 among information sources for Colorado adults on schools, candidates, ballot issues, environmental issues and local government.
See what local journalists do for Colorado communities, explore real examples and find ways to support news outlets near you.
Explore Local News Matters →Find local reporting, support for your newsroom or a way to reach Colorado audiences.
Directory
Find CPA member news organizations across Colorado and explore their websites and communities.
Search the directory →
Newsroom resources
Practical resources, training, credentials and professional connections for everyone working in local journalism.
Explore newsroom resources →
Advertising
Reach engaged audiences through Colorado Audiences, CPA’s advertising and distribution service, while supporting local news.
Explore Colorado Audiences ↗CPA AT WORK
CPA protects press freedom, connects newsrooms with resources and colleagues, and celebrates excellent journalism. Together, we help strengthen local journalism, communities and sustainable news organizations throughout Colorado.
Advocacy
CPA represents Colorado newsrooms at the Capitol, defending open records, open meetings and press freedom, and backing policies that help local journalism last.
See our priorities →Advertising
Colorado Audiences is CPA’s advertising service. Advertisers reach readers across Colorado’s local news outlets, and the revenue goes back to the newsrooms that serve those communities.
Explore Colorado Audiences ↗Training, networking & recognition
Training, the annual convention and CPA’s awards bring together journalists from newsrooms of every size, and the awards recognize the best of Colorado journalism each year.
Membership
Members get a voice at the Capitol, training and events, press credentials and a statewide network of colleagues. Find the membership path that fits your news organization, business or individual involvement.
Search pages, forms, guides, public news and news organizations.
Browse all guides & resources →