Determining the exact number of local newspapers that have gone out of publication in the UK depends on how you define "local newspaper" and "out of publication." However, here's some information to help you understand the trend:
Print newspapers:
- Since 2005: At least 271 print local newspaper titles have closed in the UK, according to Press Gazette. However, the rate of decline has slowed in recent years.
- Between September 2020 and July 2022: 33 printed local newspapers closed, while 27 new titles were launched, leaving a net loss of 6.
- Important note: These figures only consider printed newspapers, not online-only versions.
Digital newspapers:
- Since 2020: 3 digital news sites closed, while 41 launched, resulting in a net gain of 38.
Overall:
- While the number of printed local newspapers has been declining, there has been a slight increase in online-only local news sites.
- This suggests a shift from print to digital, rather than a complete disappearance of local news.
Additional resources:
- UK local newspaper closures: Launches in digital and print balance out decline: [https://pressgazette.co.uk/news/uk-local-newspaper-closures-2022/]
- List of newspapers in the United Kingdom: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_newspapers_in_the_United_Kingdom]
