Putting news in its place: An index measurement tool to evaluate local news access

Kristy HessSchool of Communication and Creative Arts, Deakin University, Angela RossABC News Susan Forde, s department, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Alison McAdam, Angela BlakstonSchool of Communication and Creative Arts, Deakin University, Susan FordeSchool of Humanities, Languages and Social Science, Griffith University, Matthew RicketsonSchool of Communication and Creative Arts, Deakin University, Hugh MartinAustralian Broadcasting Corporation

Journalism: Theory, Practice & Criticism

Published online on February 24, 2026

Abstract

Journalism, Ahead of Print.
Defining and understanding the contexts in which local news is both sustainable and meeting audiences’ needs and expectations has become a complex issue to ‘pin down’ in Australia, as it has in other parts of the world. This paper introduces and outlines ...