A full list of the read papers for this research can be found in Zotero
Table of Contents
News deserts are areas with limited or no access to local news and information. This phenomenon has been a growing concern in the United Kingdom (UK), where the decline in local journalism has led to an increase in news deserts. This literature review provides an overview of the existing research on news deserts in the UK, focusing on the factors contributing to their emergence, their impact on communities, and potential solutions to address this issue.
The decline in the traditional business model of print journalism has been a major factor contributing to news deserts in the UK (Thurman, Fletcher, & Newman, 2018). As newspapers have struggled to adapt to the digital age, many have cut back on local news coverage or closed down altogether. In addition, the rise of social media as a source of news has led to a decline in print newspaper readership, which has further contributed to the decline of local journalism (Kumar & Persad, 2021).
Another factor contributing to news deserts is the consolidation of media ownership. Large media companies have bought up smaller, local newspapers and consolidated their operations, leading to a reduction in local news coverage (Brennen & Johnson, 2018). This has been particularly true in areas where there are few media outlets to begin with.
The decline in local news coverage has had a significant impact on communities, particularly those in rural areas. Without access to local news, residents may be less informed about issues affecting their communities, including local government decisions, business developments, and public safety concerns (Thurman et al., 2018). This can lead to a lack of accountability and transparency in local government, as well as a decrease in civic engagement and voter turnout (Kumar & Persad, 2021).
In addition, the decline in local news coverage has had economic implications for communities. A study by the Centre for the Study of Media, Communication and Power found that the closure of local newspapers led to a decrease in local government efficiency and an increase in public sector costs (Brennen & Johnson, 2018). This is because local newspapers act as watchdogs, holding local governments accountable and providing important information about local services and policies.
There are several potential solutions to address news deserts in the UK. One approach is to support the development of new, independent media outlets, such as hyperlocal news websites or community-run newspapers (Thurman et al., 2018). Another approach is to provide funding for existing local newspapers to continue their operations or expand their coverage (Kumar & Persad, 2021). In addition, some have called for policy interventions to address media consolidation and promote competition in the local news market (Brennen & Johnson, 2018). For example, the