6.12d What is the distinctive contribution of smaller, independent local news publishers to the UK news ecosystem, particularly concerning their nature of provision (e.g. hyperlocal focus, investigative depth), audience reach, and unique forms of engagement, relative to larger, more established publishers?

Background

DCMS is focused on protecting the long-term viability of the news ecosystem in the UK. This requires research into the social, economic and democratic value of news provision, barriers to sustainable business models in the digital news environment, and the role of policy interventions in supporting a diverse, financially sustainable and high-quality journalism sector across the UK.

Next steps

Get in touch with [email protected]

Related UKRI funded projects


  • Media ownership, journalism and securing diversity

    Media enterprises are under more severe pressure today than perhaps at any time in their history. National newspapers throughout the western world are shedding jobs, regional newspapers are closing, broadcasters are rein...

    Funded by: AHRC

    Lead research organisation: University of Westminster

    Why might this be relevant?

    Partially relevant as it discusses media ownership and consolidation, but does not specifically address the distinctive contribution of smaller, independent local news publishers.

  • Appraising Potential Legal Responses to Threats to the Production of News in the Digital Environment

    Like music and other branches of publishing, news journalism has faced radical challenges over the last two decades. There is talk of the "death of the newspaper" and questions raised about the very future of j...

    Funded by: AHRC

    Lead research organisation: University of Cambridge

    Why might this be relevant?

    Partially relevant as it focuses on legal responses to threats in the digital environment, but does not directly address the distinctive contribution of smaller, independent local news publishers.

  • Bristol24/7 reward and referral system

    Local media used to be a vital community resource. People found their next job or car in the local paper whilst at the same time being connected and informed about their local area. As the internet has increasingly provi...

    Funded by: Innovate UK

    Lead research organisation: BRISTOL 24/7 CIC

    Why might this be relevant?

    Partially relevant as it discusses the struggle of news organizations and the importance of trustworthy content, but does not specifically address the distinctive contribution of smaller, independent local news publishers.

  • An Exploration of Independent Journalism's Epistemologies: Enhancing Democratic Resilience in the Age of Disinformation (EDIT)

    Independence is considered a critical value of high-quality journalism in democratic societies. In an era where citizens struggle to discern trustworthy content, independent journalism is more important than ever. Simult...

    Funded by: ESRC

    Lead research organisation: City St George’s, University of London

  • RESILIENT MEDIA FOR DEMOCRACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

    Resilient Media for Democracy in the Digital Age (ReMeD) responds to the European Commission’s call HORIZON-CL2-2022- DEMOCRACY-01-06: “Media for democracy – democratic media”, and will tackle existing challenges to a he...

    Funded by: Horizon Europe Guarantee

    Lead research organisation: UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD