New research from the Public Interest News Foundation (PINF) shows that 4.4 million people in the UK live in "news deserts" — areas without a dedicated local news provider. An updated local news map identifies 37 local authority districts as news deserts, including 27 with no local news outlets at all and ten with only limited coverage.

The findings highlight stark geographic and demographic inequalities. Urban and deprived districts, especially those with larger Black, Asian, Indian, or non-British White populations, are more likely to lack local news outlets. London has the lowest coverage ratio, with just one outlet per 100,000 residents. Meanwhile, rural and older communities are better served.

Closures have hit the most deprived areas hardest, while new launches — mostly independent and digital-first — are more common in affluent districts. The independent sector now plays a crucial role in preventing news deserts, with nearly half of single-title districts relying on an independent provider.

PINF’s interactive map allows users to check local news coverage by postcode. Executive director Jonathan Heawood called for urgent action to regenerate local news and ensure all communities have access to trusted information.

This article was drafted by an AI assistant before it was edited by a human

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Written by

Jacob Granger
Jacob Granger
Jacob Granger is the community editor of JournalismUK

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