Local media plays an important role in the lives of consumers and citizens across the UK. It provides audiences with news and information about what is happening in their local areas, can help build social cohesion and engagement among communities and supports local democracy.
But as more people have turned online for local news and information, local media providers, including the BBC, are having to adapt their local offerings beyond traditional broadcast and print.
Ofcom is reviewing the provision, role and value of local media in the UK, including how providers are adapting to changing audience behaviours. We published a terms of reference in December 2023 setting out plans for our review.
In July 2024 we published the initial findings of our review, providing a snapshot of the availability of local media, particularly local news, across the UK and giving insights into how people are using it. We included findings from our new qualitative consumer research into local media in the UK and the key themes that have emerged from our discussions with stakeholders. The report also provided more information about the work we will do in the second phase of the review.
Today, we have published the final part of our review. We address in detail the recommendations made by government in its Mid-Term Review of the BBC, and deliver on our commitment to monitor the impact of the BBC’s changes to online local news. We also build upon the themes identified in our interim report and bring together views on possible actions which could positively support the future sustainability of local news provision.
Review of local media in the UK: final report November 2024
| Document title | Date last updated |
|---|---|
| Review of local media in the UK: initial findings July 2024 | 24 July 2024 |
| Adolygiad o’r cyfryngau lleol yn y DU Gorffennaf 2024 | 24 July 2024 |
| Qualitative consumer research report July 2024 | 24 July 2024 |
| Review of local media in the UK: terms of reference | 19 December 2023 |
| Local Media Survey | 19 December 2023 |
| Local Media Survey: data tables | 19 December 2023 |
Update 22 January 2024 – Mid-term review of the BBC
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) has published its mid-term review of the BBC. The review recommends that Ofcom publish our view on the BBC's position in the local news sectors, and set out our approach to considering the competition impact of future changes to BBC local news services.
We will consider the BBC's position in the local news sector as part of our review of local media. Where appropriate, we will use our annual reports to update our views of the BBC's position in the different sectors.