Explores the implications for communities at risk of losing their primary source of credible news. By documenting the shifting news landscape and evaluating the threat of media deserts, this report seeks to raise awareness of the role interested parties can play in addressing the challenges confronting local news and democracy.

The loss of local news: what it means to communities. The loss of newspapers and readers -- The rise of the ghost newspaper -- Bigger and bigger they grow -- Filling the local news void -- The challenges and opportunities that remain -- The enduring legacy of the new media barons: how private equity and hedge funds changed newspapers. New Media/Gatehouse -- Digital First Media -- CNHI -- tronc/Tribune -- BH Media Group -- Civitas Media -- 10/13 Communications -- Methodology.