Affiliates
Traditionally, a local newspaper, radio station, local magazine or any media outlet’s primary revenue stream revenue is generated by selling ads to local merchants.
However, those ads don't always guarantee traffic for the merchants. Sometimes, the merchant may be reluctant to pay or spend more money to advertise, when patronage is low and they are under financial hardship.
When ad revenues dry up, these media outlets shrink or even close. It's a cycle seen too often, but it changes today.