2025
Local Visual Journalism Survey Results
Prism Photo partnered with CatchLight Local to survey nearly 70 newsrooms across the country to create a fuller picture of the current state of visual journalism in local media. The findings, which build on the 2024 CatchLight x Rural News Network survey, offer high-level insights into the resources and challenges surrounding access to visual journalism.
Nearly 85% of respondents consider visuals a "high" or "very high" priority. Yet, despite the overwhelming recognition of their importance, many newsrooms face a stark contrast between the value they place on visuals and the resources they allocate to them. A significant 63% of newsrooms report dedicating less than 10% of their overall budget to visuals, signaling a discrepancy that highlights a critical challenge in the industry.
“For us, good photography has been the key to keeping readers. The photos are from me and the high school students I work with through our community partner. From conversations with people in the county, this is what people say has reached them—people from both sides of the political aisle."
Andrea Bruce, Photojournalist & Publisher, Down in the County
Visual journalism plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between communities and newsrooms, serving as a visible connection between local stories and the people they impact. Newsroom Key Performance Indicators illustrated a focus on broader audience engagement and reach based on qualitative responses emphasizing local, on-the-ground connections.
Most newsrooms reported a desire for additional visual staff and skills training. 57% of respondents said they would like to hire a full-time photojournalist in the next three years.
The most commonly reported challenge in newsrooms in regard to visual journalism was the need for skills and training (noted by 54% of respondents). Many newsrooms noted a desire to learn and grow in this field.
“Visuals drive traffic on every single platform and every single initiative that our media organizations are undertaking. [We] need strong visuals…It's imperative that we continue to communicate how important it is to have professional photojournalists and [to] value what we do...especially where everyone's just fighting for the attention of eyeballs on their work…We need not only strong visuals but ethical visuals.”
Jasmine Goldband, Philadelphia Inquirer photo editor
The findings highlight the ongoing importance of visuals in local news coverage and offer a call to action: the future of local visual journalism depends on sustained investment in both resources and training to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of visuals in an increasingly challenging and evolving media landscape.
We invite you to delve into the full report to understand the nuances of these challenges and opportunities.