Availability of Local News and Information
This 2019 report seeks to draw together what is known about the quantum of local news journalism in Australia’s regions. It is a consolidation of information gleaned from government inquiries, surveys, and previous academic research, much of it qualitative.
Its findings suggest that declines in availability of local news and the associated reductions in accountability are a cause for concern.
June, 2019
Key Findings
The Availability of Local News and Information, 2019 State of the Regions Report finds that:
- The availability of local news in the regions of Australia has sharply declined since 2014, and is likely to decline further;
- Research suggests that journalistic deficits result in a reduction in accountability for interest groups and public institutions, and
- Declines in the availability of local news, and the associated reductions in accountability, are a cause for concern.
Project Details
This report was prepared by:
- Gary Dickson, Research and Projects Manager, Public Interest Journalism Initiative
- Dr Margaret Simons, Honorary fellow at the Centre for Advancing Journalism
Citation: Simons, M., & Dickson, G. (2019). Availability of local news and information: 2019 state of the regions report.