The Very Local Streaming Service is Laying Off Staff as The Local News Boom Slows Down

In a quiet move last week, media giant Hearst laid off dozens of employees from its streaming service, Very Local, according to a Deadline report. The platform, which offered a mix of live local news and on-demand content from Hearst-owned TV stations, has faced increasing competition in recent years.

Local TV stations have traditionally relied on local news programming and advertising to bolster revenue. However, the rise of cord-cutting has shifted viewer habits, with many opting for free streaming services like Tubi and Local Now, which provide not only local news but also a wider range of content. Additionally, dedicated local news apps such as NewsON and Haystack News, which aggregate content from multiple providers, have further fragmented the market.

Very Local, launched in 2021, aimed to provide a “hyperlocal” experience, connecting users to their communities through live news, weather updates, and original series highlighting local culture and events. Despite its efforts, the service struggled to gain significant traction in an increasingly crowded streaming landscape.