Meeting the News Needs of Local Communities

This research goes to the heart of what communities need in order to play a full part in the democratic process, in society and in their locality. It reinforces our view that communities want to engage with their local media,
and are struggling to do so. And it has produced some surprising results - uncovering a latent demand for the rapidly disappearing truly ‘local’ newspaper, for quality investigative journalism, that can represent and reflect local concerns, underpin accountability and arguably, be the key tool in bringing back a sense of community.
Media Trust works with diverse communities across the country, of all ages and backgrounds, who wish to fully participate and build a better society. We speak daily to charities and community organisers who have their own vision of a better society for themselves and their peers, locally, regionally and nationally. Yet we also sense a pressing need and vocal desire in local communities for
better communication and local news. We believe that communication is the catalyst that enables the seed of an idea to gather support and become a reality.