Local Journalism and SDG 11: Advocating for Inclusive, Safe, and Sustainable Communities Empowering communities through grassroots storytelling

Abstract

The importance of the local media in the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which is on sustainable cities and communities, is pivotal. By promoting the voice of grassroots, documenting local challenges and promoting solutions led by the communities, local journalism creates the link between citizens, policymakers, and institutions. This paper discusses the role that local journalism plays in inclusive urban development, disaster preparedness, environmental advocacy and participatory governance. The combination of literature review and the critique of case studies of community media initiatives in various regions was the approach that was adopted, using a mixed method approach. The results demonstrate that grassroots narrative can augment civic engagement processes, resource mobilization, and hold local authorities accountable. Financial insecurity and the digital divide, politics, and training are some of the constraints that hamper the scalability and maintenance of local journalism programs. The way forward sees closer alliances between local media, academia and policy makers, the incorporation of digital tools and training sessions in order to make grassroot storytelling a lasting force behind community empowerment and sustainable cities to come.