As Andy Burnham moves forward with plans to devolve powers and tax revenues from Westminster to regional mayors across England, questions are being raised about the capacity of local media to support these changes through effective oversight. The initiative aims to reverse decades of centralization that have concentrated authority in London, but experts warn that without a strong local journalism sector, holding new regional authorities accountable could prove challenging.

Burnham’s vision echoes a time before the digital revolution drastically altered the media landscape. In the 1980s, the UK was home to more than 1,600 daily and weekly local newspapers, employing tens of thousands of journalists who closely followed local government meetings, court cases, and community issues. However, the rise of online platforms and a steep decline in print advertising revenue—dropping by over two-thirds from 2007 to 2017—have severely weakened regional media outlets.

This decline has led to newsroom reductions and consolidation among major publishers, with the workforce reduced from approximately 9,000 local journalists in 2007 to around 3,000 by 2022. The downturn has also left some areas without dedicated local news, resulting in what the Public Interest News Foundation describes as "news deserts" affecting nearly one in ten local authority districts, encompassing around 44 million people.

While the publicly funded BBC maintains a presence in local media through 39 local radio stations, regional TV, and online services in England, its capacity is constrained by funding pressures. Starting in 2027, local commercial radio stations will be required to deliver a minimum amount of local news following regulatory changes, yet this is seen as only a partial solution.

The connection between robust local media and effective devolution is significant. Regions such as Nottingham, Liverpool, and Tees Valley have recently faced financial or governance challenges that might have been mitigated or identified earlier with stronger journalistic scrutiny. Local reporters not only hold officials accountable but also contribute by highlighting community issues and countering misinformation—a role demonstrated during urban unrest in the summer of 2024, where trusted local journalists helped de-escalate tensions by amplifying verified community and police voices.

Efforts to rebuild local news ecosystems face obstacles, notably the difficulty of finding sustainable funding. Some major U.S. technology companies have introduced grant programs to support local journalism, but approaches vary, and philanthropic contributions remain uncertain. The BBC has initiated a scheme supporting 165 local journalists in public-interest reporting, yet its own financial constraints limit expansion.

The current government, under Sir Keir Starmer, has introduced a local media plan including £12 million in grants over two years, but critics argue that a much broader strategy is needed to accompany Burnham’s devolution goals. As devolution seeks to empower local governments and communities, reinvigorating local media is increasingly viewed as essential for transparency, democratic engagement, and the success of regional governance reforms.