Ofcom Local Media Project

Description

Local news and media is a space that is rapidly changing, and with 92% of adults reporting using or following at least one form of local news, an area that is important for us to understand in more detail. Ofcom's research found that social media (54%) and television (53%) were reported as being the main sources used for local news and media, while 34% of adults used local radio sources for local news and information in 2023, down from over half of adults in 2009. Only 22% of adults reported using local newspapers for local news and information in 2023, again, down from over half the population in 2009. In the same timeframe, use of online resources for local news and information has grown from one in five in 2009, to just under 90% of adults. Recent local news and media changes from the BBC, such as its October 2022 announcement to introduce greater programme-sharing across BBC local radio, its plans to boost online provision for 43 areas across the country, and to enhance local audio services on BBC Sounds, as well as many other local newspapers, radio stations and TV channels shutting down have caused significant upheaval in the local news and media space. In our statement Modernising the BBC's Operating Licence we stated our intention to commission research "to better understand audiences' experience of, and views on, the provision of local content." Additionally, in a letter to the BBC regarding planned changed to BBC provision of local content and news, we announced we would commission new research "to better understand what audiences need and value from local services" as well as "what audiences expect from local content." Research Aims The overall aims of this piece of research fall under two key objectives: 1. To better understand how audiences use and value local media and the public value local media delivers. 2. To consider the BBC's impact on competition in the local news sector.