Exploring the value of local media

Credit: Priscilla du Pree (Unsplash)

Local media plays an important role in the lives of audiences and citizens across the UK. Ofcom research shows that half of adults say that knowing what is going on in their local area is a reason they follow news[1] and 92% of adults use local news or information[2]. Local media not only provides audiences with news and information about what is happening in their local areas, but also helps build social cohesion and engagement among communities and supports local democracy.

However, the local media landscape is changing rapidly. The Charitable Journalism Project found that more than 320 local newspaper titles closed in the 10 years to 2019 and there are now fewer local newspapers in Britain than any time since the 18th Century[3]. The BBC has also reviewed and revised its local offer[4] - reducing radio funding resulting in more shared programming across local radio stations and increasing its investment in online news services in every local base.

It is within this context that Ofcom is looking at the provision, role and value of local media in the UK, and commissioned research to build on its current understanding of what audiences need and value from local services.

In early 2024, Community Research conducted a large scale qualitative project involving a three-week 100-person online forum, followed by online focus groups with around half the forum participants. We also held six face-to-face group discussions, which included some digitally-disadvantaged participants.

We found that people tended to use multiple sources of media for local news and information, with social media the most common platform. On balance, by using a range of sources, most believed that they had access to news and information that was important to their local area and were happy with the quality and quantity of that news. However, a vocal minority were concerned about the potential risk of missing important news stories, due to their own consumption habits meaning that they typically only see a narrower range of stories that appear in their social media feeds and that some stories no longer appear to be reported on. Some pointed to the potential impact on local democracy if those in power were not being held to account as a result. This echoes wider fears in the sector that have been apparent for some time. For example, an independent report[5] on the future of the British media by Dame Frances Cairncross in 2019 warned that the changes pose a threat to the long-term sustainability of democracy.

Our research findings, which can be found here, are currently being used, together with other sources, to inform Ofcom’s regulatory decisions in this space. They are considering any changes that could positively support the sector, including any relevant recommendations. Details of their review are here.

[1] Ofcom News Consumption Survey 2023

[2] Ofcom Local Media Survey 2023

[3] committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/107475/html/

[4] BBC sets out plans to transform its local services to deliver greater value to communities across England - Media Centre

[5] The Cairncross Review: a sustainable future for journalism - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)