In the vacuum of credible, local news, people frequently turn to misinformation. Additionally, in the absence of local news, people turn to national news—which is frequently more polarizing. 

News Deserts result in less reporting on local politicians and thus less accountability. According to a study from University of Illinois at Chicago and University of Notre Dame, they found a correlation between newspaper closures and raised tax rates after government officials issue themselves higher salaries. 

People are more hesitant to lend to public government projects since it is harder to evaluate them without local reporting.