Local news deserts

There has been an increase in research interest in local news deserts, partly in response to the perceived crisis in local media and journalism in recent years (Abernathy, 2018). Commentators note that because of the changes in the sector related to production, distribution and consumption of local news in a digital and online environment, there are more communities that have no or diminished access to local news. This is a concern as local news deserts are seen to lead to a decline in local democracy and undermine cohesion, engagement and quality of life for that community. However, definitions and terminology vary in the literature about the phenomenon, and so do the approaches and methodologies taken to study it. This chapter provides an overview of the different interpretations and methods applied to study local news deserts, highlighting key methodological challenges. It also provides a case study analysis of local news deserts in England, which finds significant variations in provisions and audience reach influenced by underlying socio-economic inequalities. The paper argues for more consideration of spatial inequalities in local media research.