The impact of local media decline on local elections was the subject of my undergrad dissertation - two decades ago.
Even then, titles were spread so thin they couldn't meaningfully cover issues or candidates. That social stepped into the information vacuum was 100% predictable.
NEW: New evidence local Facebook/other social media groups fuelling misinformation - filling void left by retreating local media.
Misinformation 3x more in areas with little/no recognised local journalism.
Misinfo peaks at local elections. MPs concerned
www.theguardian.com/media/2026/j...
www.theguardian.com
Investigation reveals more than 4.4 million people live in ‘news deserts’ that lack dedicated local reporting
