A NATIONAL survey completed by Deakin University revealed more than half of people who do not read local newspapers believe they are essential to their communities.

Conducted in July and August, the survey sought the views of 400 Facebook users who do not read a local newspaper, about the role of local news within their communities.

The research targeted participants in areas that were being served by independent local newspapers within the Country Press Australia (CPA) network, which includes The Spectator.

The survey showed 64.5 per cent of respondents consider a printed copy of a local newspaper an essential service to their communities, with 48 per cent preferring a printed paper rather than reading their news online (33 per cent) or via social media (13 per cent).

The findings come as many local newspapers have struggled to survive during the pandemic.

Deakin University associate professor, Kristy Hess said the Facebook survey supported findings from the national study of local newspaper readers conducted by her team last year, highlighting a passion for the printed product.

"The fact that social media users examined here also indicate a preference for print is perhaps especially profound," she said.

"Many participants highlighted the absence of a home-delivery service, or easy way to access the paper, created an impediment to accessing the physical copy.

“They also indicated that they resisted paying for local news and would engage if it were free.

"This resonates with findings from our first survey of newspaper readers, that is, the existence of a culture of 'free' where people believe local news content should be readily available without cost to audiences."

CPA executive director, Bruce Morgan said the survey results were not surprising and reinforced the mood of many regional communities.

"It is not just about the survival of local independent (newspaper) businesses, but that it is fundamental to community well-being, and to basic democratic notions of accountability within those communities," he said.

"Issues around accessibility and cost are also not surprising and reflect swings in community expectation in recent generations.

“Most independent publishers are adapting to that, having learned from the mistakes of the big corporate players who are now deserting the regions."

The surveys are part of a national three-year Australian Research council-funded project involving researchers from Deakin and RMIT universities, with support from CPA - the peak media body for independent news organisations.

Ms Hess said the voices and perspectives of everyday people were often missing in policy discussion about the future of local media.