The Local News Research Project, led by Ryerson University journalism professor April Lindgren, explores the factors that influence local news reporting, and investigates how the content, the geographic patterns of news coverage, and the amount of local news reporting shape what happens in the Greater Toronto Area.

The project’s growing database is used to create maps that illustrate the spatial patterns of local news coverage produced by different mainstream and ethnic news organizations, and to analyze the type and amount of local news reporting. Data on local news coverage by the Toronto Star, four ethnic newspapers and one online local news site are currently available.

Studies that have either been completed or are currently underway as part of The Local News Research Project include:
• investigations of how disadvantaged Toronto neighbourhoods are portrayed in the news and the consequences of this coverage
• analysis of how the Greater Toronto Area is represented in ethnic newspapers and the message this sends to newcomers
• an examination of the role of police public relations units in shaping local crime reporting
• quantifying local news content in ethnocultural publications

• analysis of how other racial and ethnic groups are represented in local ethnic newspapers the use of news mapping as a starting point for journalism research
• exploring patterns of news coverage for different GTA neighbourhoods

The Local News Research Project has been generously supported by SSHRC, CERIS-The Ontario Metropolis Centre, and Ryerson University.

For more information, please contact:
April Lindgren
Associate professor
School of Journalism
Ryerson University
April.lindgren@ryerson.ca