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Data on local news consumption in the United Kingdom gathered in a survey in early 2023 found that ** percent of consumers aged 16 years or above used local groups or accounts on social media in the last month or so to keep up to date with local issues and information, making this the most common method of online local news consumption. But what are the ramifications of getting local news this way? 

The risks of unverified information

Getting local updates from groups or accounts on social media can mean opening oneself up to misinformation. Passing on information in good faith is one thing, but accidentally or deliberately sharing misinformation is another, and without anyone to regulate this aside from the group members, the likelihood of misunderstandings occurring and false or biased news being shared increases. Equally, with local newspapers on the decline, the number of official channels for local information is also falling. 

The importance of local news outlets

Whilst the main type of local news sought out by UK consumers is local weather information, news and current affairs rank a close second. A third also look for information about local government. Without official outlets reporting on these latter two topics, the risk of the public coming across false or misleading information (particularly hearsay and conjecture from other social media users) increases.