San Antonio, TX, August 21, 2025
News Summary
San Antonio and Bexar County are experiencing a significant local news staffing shortage, with less than four local reporters for every 100,000 residents. This alarming figure is less than half the national average of 8.2 and marks a drastic decline of approximately 75% in local reporting capacity since 2002. Recent turnover in local television stations has raised concerns about gaps in coverage for essential civic affairs, public safety, and community news, indicating a deeper crisis in local journalism.
San Antonio — San Antonio and Bexar County face a severe local news staffing shortage, with fewer than four local reporters for every 100,000 people, a level that is less than half the national average and part of a long-term decline in local reporting capacity.
Key facts up front
Newly compiled data through the first quarter of 2025 show the U.S. average at 8.2 local journalist equivalents (LJEs) per 100,000 people, while San Antonio’s rate remains below four. The number of local reporters in the area has fallen by roughly 75% since 2002. Simultaneously, the local television landscape experienced substantial turnover in 2024, with more than a dozen on-air personalities departing. These trends raise concerns about gaps in coverage for civic affairs, public safety, and everyday community news.
Supporting details and recent developments
Data source information for staffing levels is based on a media and journalist dataset compiled in Q1 2025. The local reporting shortage contrasts sharply with national coverage averages and reflects a long steady decline dating back to the early 2000s.
In 2024, several veteran on-air journalists and behind-the-scenes staff left multiple local television stations. In May 2024, one station publicly confirmed that six veteran anchors and reporters accepted a buyout package. A well-known local photojournalist passed away in April 2024 at age 49, further reducing newsroom capacity. In early 2025, an evening anchor who had worked in the market for 14 years announced a departure effective February 28, 2025; that individual had begun work in local television in 2011, reported in other states before returning to San Antonio, earned a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism and Spanish, and received regional award nominations in 2022 and 2024.
Community groups and local media advocates are working to strengthen the local news ecosystem through capacity-building programs, funding initiatives, and efforts to encourage reporting on municipal government, schools, public health, and neighborhood issues. One local press-support initiative has highlighted the risk of news deserts and the potential harm to civic oversight when local reporting resources are depleted.
Broader risks and federal funding concerns
Observers note that potential cuts to federal public broadcasting funds could further strain local outlets that rely on grants and partnership funding, possibly triggering additional closures or service reductions. Reduced public funding combined with declines in advertising revenue and newsroom staff creates a converging risk to the sustainability of local reporting in the region.
Impact on audiences and civic life
- Reduced capacity to cover city government, school boards, courts, public safety, and local elections.
- Fewer reporters available to verify information during crises and to provide consistent local accountability reporting.
- Potential for community issues to receive less attention, affecting residents’ ability to stay informed about local services and risks.
Efforts to respond
Local initiatives, nonprofit groups, and some media organizations are pursuing a mix of temporary funding, collaborative reporting projects, and training programs designed to bolster coverage. The effectiveness of these efforts will depend on sustainable funding and the ability to attract and retain reporters.
Background and context
The drop in local reporting capacity is part of a multi-decade national trend in which newsroom staffing has been reduced across many cities. The decline in San Antonio mirrors broader changes in media economics, consolidation, and shifting audience behavior. Analysts warn that sustained declines can create so-called news deserts—areas with little or no local reporting—which can undermine local governance and community resilience.
| Key feature | Data / Notes |
|---|---|
| Local reporters (LJEs) per 100,000 | < 4 (San Antonio & Bexar County, Q1 2025) |
| National average (LJEs per 100,000) | 8.2 (U.S. average) |
| Change since 2002 | Approximately 75% decline in local reporters |
| Major 2024 staffing events | More than a dozen on-air departures; one station reported six veteran anchors/reporters took buyouts in May 2024; a veteran photojournalist died April 2024 |
| Notable departure | Evening anchor leaving effective February 28, 2025 after 14 years; regional award nominations in 2022 and 2024 |
| Primary data source | Journalist and media outlet dataset (Q1 2025) |
Timeline of recent events
| Date | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Baseline year for staffing comparison | Historical comparison point |
| 2024 (through year) | Over a dozen television personalities left local stations | Market personnel reports and station announcements |
| April 2024 | Passing of a veteran local photojournalist (age 49) | Station and community notices |
| May 2024 | One station reported six veteran anchors/reporters accepted buyouts | Station announcement |
| Q1 2025 | Local staffing measured at <4 LJEs per 100,000 | Media-journalist dataset (Q1 2025) |
| February 28, 2025 | Effective departure date for a long-serving evening anchor | Personnel announcement |
Visual statistics
FAQ
How many local reporters are there in San Antonio?
The local reporting level is fewer than four local journalist equivalents per 100,000 people, based on Q1 2025 data.
How does that compare with the national average?
The U.S. average is 8.2 local journalist equivalents per 100,000 people, making San Antonio’s level less than half the national average.
What recent staffing changes have affected local TV news?
In 2024, more than a dozen on-air personalities left local television markets. One station reported six veteran anchors and reporters accepted buyouts in May 2024, and a veteran photojournalist died in April 2024. A long-serving evening anchor is set to depart effective February 28, 2025.
What are the potential consequences of fewer local reporters?
Reduced reporting capacity can lead to less coverage of city government, schools, courts, and public safety, weakening civic oversight and leaving residents with fewer reliable sources for local information.
Are there efforts to address the decline?
Local initiatives, nonprofit groups, and some media organizations are pursuing funding, training, and collaborative reporting projects to bolster coverage, but long-term solutions depend on sustained resources.
Could federal funding changes make the situation worse?
Potential cuts to federal public broadcasting funds could worsen the local news crisis by reducing grants and support that some outlets rely on, increasing the risk of further closures or service reductions.
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Additional Resources
- San Antonio TV News Anchors 2024
- Wikipedia: Journalism in the United States
- Robert Price Leaving News 4 San Antonio
- Google Search: San Antonio News
- Kym Fox Obituary – Journalist Texas State
- Google Scholar: Local News Deserts
- News 4 SA Fox Reporter Karina Hollingsworth
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Media Consolidation
- KSAT 12 Ernie Zuniga Good Morning San Antonio
- Google News: Bexar County News
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
