Hyperlocal journalism in the face of the advance of news deserts: scoping review

Abstract

Hyperlocal media ecosystems have attracted increasing academic interest due to the impact of the Internet and social networks, and even more so due to concerns about the vitality of journalism in contexts of press decline with a clear lack of availability and quality of information. This study reviews the field of ‘news deserts’ from the perspective of ‘hyperlocal journalism’ until earlier 2023 in major scientific databases to identify the main fronts, challenges and opportunities. This emerging concept indicates a growing global concern about the disappearance of local media, leaving areas isolated in informational, social and cultural dimensions. The study shows the United States, United Kingdom and Australia with the largest presence, followed by Spain and Scandinavia, while it is beginning to set the public and media agenda in Latin America. We found six research fronts: Studies on audiences, Citizen journalism, Enterprise and business models, Hyperlocal media stage, News deserts and Methodological proposals.