Report

No news is bad news

Think tank: Social Market Foundation

Author(s): Jamie Gollings; Niamh O Regan

June 8, 2026

This report from UK think tank the Social Market Foundation explores the hidden threat of unchecked local misinformation.

People are increasingly getting their local news online through social media.

For the first time we quantify the scale and nature of ‘fake news’ in these local online spaces, explore how the media and institutions combat it, and what the government can do to help ensure people can find truthful local information and news.