Newhouse School · Syracuse University
Local News Experimental Testing Lab
Partnering with newsrooms to rigorously test journalism innovations — and translating findings into tools and resources the industry can use.
Partnering with newsrooms to rigorously test journalism innovations — and translating findings into tools and resources the industry can use.
The Local NExT Lab applies experimental methods to questions local newsrooms actually care about — and shares what we learn across the industry.
A/B tests, field experiments, and surveys designed to distinguish what actually works from what just feels right.
Experiments run inside actual newsrooms with real audiences — not simulations or convenience samples.
Results translated into practical recommendations, not just academic publications.
Findings shared industry-wide so all local newsrooms can benefit from what we learn.
Decades of research demonstrate local journalism's civic importance — but the evidence is scattered across academic journals and behind paywalls. The Research Hub, developed in partnership with Rebuild Local News, makes this research accessible to policymakers, funders, and journalists who need it.
The database covers peer-reviewed research on local news effects across:
The Research Hub currently holds 150+ curated research abstracts in a fully searchable public database.
The Local NExT Lab launched its first cohort of newsroom experiments in 2024–25, with support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Cohort 2 is in development for 2026–27.
Cohort 1 experiments are currently underway with newsroom partners across the South and Midwest, testing innovations in audience engagement and content strategy. Results will be shared publicly as they become available.
Planning is underway for a second cohort of experiments. If your newsroom is interested in participating, get in touch — we are beginning to identify partners now.
The Local NExT Lab is supported by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, whose mission to support thriving children, families, and communities aligns with the Lab's commitment to strengthening local journalism as civic infrastructure.
All experiments are pre-registered on the Open Science Framework and conducted under Syracuse University IRB oversight, ensuring rigor and transparency throughout.
Syracuse University's Institute for Democracy, Journalism & Citizenship (IDJC), based in Washington, DC, engages in research, teaching and experiential learning, partnerships, and events to address challenges to democracy related to the information environment.
As a joint initiative of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, the institute brings together today's leaders with the next generation of professionals, and leverages the University's top resources, as well as its influential network of scholars, students, alumni and friends.
Visit IDJCWe work with newsrooms, researchers, and students who want to rigorously test journalism innovations. Partnerships are collaborative — we design experiments together that answer questions you care about.
Design custom experiments for your organization, get actionable findings from rigorous testing, and contribute to industry-wide knowledge. No cost to participate.
Graduate students and researchers interested in local news, journalism innovation, or experimental methods can get involved through collaborations and project-based work.
Reach out to discuss partnerships, research collaborations, or questions about our work.
jpdarr@syr.edu