According to a recent study from the Hussman School of Journalism, one-fourth of newspapers have shuttered since 2004. A new startup in Springfield is looking to reverse that trend. KRPS’s Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more.

The study revealed that more than 200 countries of the 3,143 counties in the US had either no newspaper or equivalent reliable source for comprehensive news or information. Half of the counties have only one newspaper, and two-thirds do not have a daily newspaper.

Chief Executive Officer David Stoeffler of the Springfield Daily Citizen says the online-only news service will focus on three main subjects. “Number one, the top priority is in-depth coverage of local issues. But another key part is to provide, as I call it, the sense of place. Stories about arts and culture, outdoors, and recreation. And then finally we are doing some daily news coverage as well.” In October of last year, the Missouri Board of Governors approved a plan for the Springfield Daily Citizen to be housed at Missouri State University for five years. Although the publication is an independent nonprofit, nonpartisan organization separate from the university. For 89 9 KRPS, I’m Fred Fletcher-Fierro