Thinking about media reform from depopulated areas: analysis of social perceptions about local journalism

Introduction: This paper analyzes the perceptions of communities in depopulated territories and of a group of journalists regarding local media and identifies which journalistic functions and roles they consider most valuable. The findings are an opportunity to reflect on the connection between media deserts, community expectations about journalism and the future of local media in the context of a potential media reform. Methodology: Five focus groups have been conducted: four of them held in two towns located in the province of Cuenca, Ledana (1,563 inhabitants) and Priego (885 inhabitants) and a fifth focus group was held online with journalists and professionals selected for their specialization in depopulated territories and rural areas. Results: The analysis shows that professionals and citizens are committed to "militant journalism" when working in depopulated areas; they value an attentive and caring approach to communities, constructive criticism, the generation of interaction networks and depth when addressing their problems. Three roles are identified for media: instrumental, recognition and mediation. Discussion and conclusions: In the current context there is a space of opportunity to explore formulas that incorporate the media as strategic actors in public policies facing the demographic challenge, at the same time this opportunity could catalyze the implementation of some media reform proposals.