Local content, primarily news, is produced and carried on a range of media platforms by public and private providers. News consistently ranks as the most important content genre for audiences. Nine out of ten adults regularly consume some form of local news3 and over three-quarters of people rate local news and weather as important types of media4 . News at all levels is an integral part of the democratic process in the UK as it helps to hold institutions and individuals to account. It is also an important sector for the practice of journalism and associated skills.
