Overview of the critical information needs and engagement of local media with their audiences in 27 EU countries

Abstract

This contribution investigates whether local media in Europe provide sufficient public interest news and effectively engage with their respective audiences, drawing on the findings of the report “Uncovering news deserts in Europe: risks and opportunities for local and community media in the EU”, published by the Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (CMPF) as part of the Local Media for Democracy project (LM4D). The study provides a much-needed comparative analysis of the relationship between local media, critical information needs and audience engagement in Europe. It also proposes directions for future research emphasising the need for more targeted case studies. In addition, it advocates for the creation of an informal network aimed at improving local information ecosystems and strengthening the position of local media within Europe's media systems.