Review of local media in the UK

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, helps 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.

Today we've published the terms of reference for our review – this explains why we are looking at local media, and what we plan to do over the course of the review. We have also published findings from our preliminary research on the usage of local news and media across the UK and will carry further out research among consumers in Spring 2024.

Review of local media in the UK: terms of reference (PDF, 295.8 KB)

Adolygiad o gyfryngau lleol yn y DU: cylch gorchwyl (PDF, 513.2 KB)

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.