The document discusses the state of local news in the UK, highlighting the varying definitions of 'local' and the significance of local content to consumers. It emphasizes the role of traditional media, particularly local TV and newspapers, while acknowledging shifts towards hyper-local and online news consumption, especially through social media. The document also explores Ofcom's responsibilities in regulating local media and maintaining impartiality in news reporting.

1. BBC Innovation Academy: 21st Century Local NewsA personal take on where we are, and where we may be goingDamian Radcliffe1st April 2011damian.radcliffe@ofcom.org.uk@mrdamian76

2. Running Order – nine ideas in as many minutes (ish)State of PlayDefining local Does local matter? Current consumptionOfcom’s roleDelivering our statutory duties as set out in the Communications ActProviding regulatory and technical advice to GovernmentUndertaking and publishing researchCrystal Ball gazingHyper-localSocial MediaImpartiality

3. 1. State of Play - understanding local news today3

4. a. Definition of local‘Local is whatever you can relate to’ (F 40s Oxford)‘It’s towns near me. Or where I can walk, without getting in the car’ (F 60s Darlington)4Source: Ofcom ITV regional news deliberative research 2008

5. 5MY COMMUNITYMY LOCAL AREAMY REGIONMY NATIONUKThere is no consistent definition of ‘local’Local boundaries are not clearly defined and vary according to:

6. Individual perception

7. Location

8. Size of population

9. e.g. regional boundaries can be considered national in Scotland, Wales and Ireland

10. As a result, definitions of community vs local vs regional media differ by individualSource: Ofcom qualitative research 2006

11. People define local as their town, city or villageDefinition of local areaImmediate and surroundingSurrounding and widerWider regionImmediate location% of UK adults 16+Source: Ofcom local media survey, 2009, Q1What do you think of when we talk about your ‘local area’?Base: UK adults (n=1034). Rural (n=278); urban (n=756)6

12. b. Localness matters7

13. Consumers value local and regional content – particularly news8% saying local and regional content is very important - weekly usersScores based on respondents importance rating 9/10 on a scale of 1-10. Source, Ofcom research

14. Local news and weather are most important local contentImportance of local contentSCALE: 1 = not at all important and 10 = extremely importantMean score8.16.97.17.67.27.17.06.8Source: Ofcom local media survey, 2009. Q11 How important are the following types of content to you?Base: UK adults using each source at least weekly (Local news n=969; Local sport n=514; Travel information n=490; Weather information n=785; Life & community n=640; Events/entertainment n=643; Council updates n=374; Classifieds n=449)9

15. Local media plays role in providing information and keeping people in touch with local communityStatements about aspects of local mediaNet AgreeNet AgreeNet AgreeSource: Ofcom local media survey, 2009, Q3 To what extent do you agree or disagree with each statement?Base: UK adults (n=1034)10

16. 11Local media can play a functional or emotional role in people’s livesFeatures people and places I know WeatherNewsworthy incidents e.g. crimeLocal interests – sports and politicsTraffic updatesJob listingsFUNCTIONAL“Things I need to know to help me live in my local area.”EMOTIONAL“Things I want to know to feel like I belong to my local area.”Signposting events Town planning and developmentsCelebrating local eventsCouncil services EntertainmentOpportunities to get involved in local issues INFORMATIONINFORMATION AND REPORTED NEWS Source: Ofcom Local media qualitative research, 2009

17. c. Current consumption12

18. News is most popular type of local media contentLocal content consumed via each media Source: Ofcom local media survey. Q9 What do you use each media for?Base: UK adults who use each source at least weekly (Local radio n=598; Local newspapers n=739; Regional/local TV n=947; Websites n=240) * Note: Base for Council publications too low to show (n=38)13

19. TV has remained consistently high as main source of local news – newspapers have declined14Which if any is your main source for news and information about local area?Ofcom’s Media Tracker, 2002-2009

20. But proportionately newspapers more important locally, with TV as main media source for all newsMain media source used for local, UK and international newsSource: Ofcom Media Tracker 2009, ‘Can you tell me what if anything is your main source of news about what is going on in your local area/in the UK/ in the world?’ Base: all UK adults (n=2114)15

21. Regional / local TV news most frequently used of all local mediaFrequency of useSource: Ofcom local media survey, 2009. Q4 How often do you do each of the following?Base: UK adults (n=1034)16

22. TV more important for nations news than any other medium Main media source used for nations newsSource: Ofcom Media Tracker 2009, ‘Can you tell me what if anything is your main source of news about what is going on in Scotland/Wales/Northern Ireland?’ Base: n = 180 in Scotland, 118 in Wales, 103 in Northern Ireland17

23. Nations/Regions news share has held up for both BBC and ITV since 2005 On BBC One, share was down 2% in Scotland, and 3% in Wales, but up by 1% in Northern Ireland comparing 2005 and 2009.

24. On Channel 3, share was down 3% in Wales and 2% in Northern Ireland, while share was increased in Scotland by 1% compared with five years ago.BBC One 18:30Channel 3/ITV 18:00Source: BARB, 2009, 2005Note: ITV regions are used for this analysis, and so BBC One share does not correlate exactly with distinct BBC regional news programmes

25. Nations/Regions news share has held up for both BBC and ITV since 2005The share of viewing of Channel 3 and BBC One evening nations/regional News programmes in 2009 compared to 2005 shows that the average UK share of the main weekday evening nations/regions news fell by 2% on Channel 3 compared with 2005, but held steady on BBC One over the same period.BBC One 18:30ITV 18:00Source: BARB, 2009, 2005Note: ITV regions are used for this analysis, and so BBC One share does not correlate exactly with distinct BBC regional news programmes

26. 2. Ofcom’s role includes:Delivering our statutory duties as set out in the Communications ActProviding regulatory and technical advice to GovernmentUndertaking and publishing research20

27. Some relevant statutory duties21Securing availability of wide range of TV and radio services of high quality and wide appeal

28. Maintaining sufficient plurality of providers