Breaking down the question stem-
Facts about local publications:
Can hire only a handful of journalists.
Don't have the resources (international correspondents, wire subscriptions, rapid production) to effectively cover breaking national and global news.
Conclusion: Local publications can NOT compete with large national media conglomerates on breaking news.
Author's stance: Local publications should focus on local investigative journalism.
Reason: Hyperlocal investigative journalism on sustained community relationships rather than large-scale infrastructure.
Now let's observe the options-
A) Rising costs of international correspondents and wire subscription is immaterial as the Local news publications cannot afford them to begin with. Invalid Option.
B) Local publications being better positioned to cultivate and sustain relations with the local community (in contrast with national conglomerates) is a great plus. This option ticks most of the boxes.
It clearly establishes the upper hand local publications have OVER national conglomerates. Hence, it neatly concludes the reasoning author is presenting to strengthen their stance. We hold onto this.
C) This is also an interesting choice. If local residents are more likely to share sensitive information with journalists they know and trust, it tries to TRICK us into believing that they will share information with journalists from local publications.
But upon closer observation, the phrase nowhere states that National conglomerates do not have local journalists on their payroll. There is no explicit mention of National or Local publications in it. We can hold onto this option, albeit with caution.
D) If national conglomerates have started outreach initiatives to strengthen local ties, it will in fact jeopardize the upperhand that local publications have. Hence, this option does not conclude the statement provided to strengthen the author's argument. As a matter of fact, it can weaken it. Invalid option.
E) Investigative pieces attracting revenue and national attraction is a great incentive monetarily, however it introduces a completely new element that is not relevant to the argument presented here. Option invalid.
Just to add a bonus point, if there is high monetary benefit, national publications would also invest money into capturing these stories.
Since (B) checks all the boxes, it is the strongest option here.
Ans: (B)