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There is a shortage of in-depth local reporting in the US press despite an "abundance" of media outlets, according to a new report from the Federal Communications Commission.

The commission, which regulates interstate and international communications in the US, claims the decline in local reporting has shifted power "away from citizens to government and other powerful institutions", making them more able to set the news agenda.

The report published today, The Information Needs of Communities: The changing media landscape in a broadband age , was produced by a working group of FCC staff, scholars and consultants, who carried out more than 600 interviews and two full-day workshops.

The report warns that the independent watchdog function of journalism is, in some cases, at risk at the local level.

"In most ways today's media landscape is more vibrant than ever, offering faster and cheaper distribution networks, fewer barriers to entry, and more ways to consume information. Choice abounds.

"Local TV stations, newspapers and a flood of innovative web start-ups are now using a dazzling array of digital tools to improve the way they gather and disseminate the news—not just nationally or internationally but block-by-block. The digital tools that have helped topple governments abroad are providing Americans powerful new ways to consume, share and even report the news.

"Yet, in part because of the digital revolution, serious problems have arisen, as well. Most significant among them: in many communities, we now face a shortage of local, professional, accountability reporting.

"This is likely to lead to the kinds of problems that are, not surprisingly, associated with a lack of accountability—more government waste, more local corruption, less effective schools, and other serious community problems."

The report raised ongoing issues regarding the financial challenges faced by news outlets in a digitally-rich world, with particular reference made to the difficulties facing online local news operations who have so far not gained "sufficient traction financially to make enough of an impact."

As part of its conclusions and recommendations the report calls on the government and media companies to offer greater transparency to help reduce the cost of reporting and functioning of media markets.

The six broad principles of the recommendations are outlined below:

  1. Information required by FCC policy to be disclosed to the public should, over time, be made available online.
  2. Greater government transparency will enable both citizens and reporters to more effectively monitor powerful institutions and benefit from public services.
  3. Existing government advertising spending should be targeted more toward local media.
  4. Nonprofit media need to develop more sustainable business models, especially through private donations.
  5. Universal broadband and an open Internet are essential prerequisites for ensuring that the new media landscape serves communities well.
  6. Policymakers should take historically underserved communities into account when crafting strategies and rules.

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Written by
Rachel Bartlett

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