Brazil news deserts expand as local journalism faces decline

The Gazeta de Vargem Grande is celebrating 45 years of operation, coinciding with the 152nd anniversary of Vargem Grande do Sul. The publication's longevity stands in contrast to a growing trend of “news deserts” across Brazil.

According to the 2025 Atlas da Notícia report, coordinated by Projor and Volt Data Lab, approximately 45% of Brazilian municipalities—2,504 locations—lack any journalistic outlets. An additional 32.5% are classified as “almost deserts,” containing only one or two news vehicles. This leaves only 22.6% of municipalities with three or more outlets providing consistent coverage of local government and public services.

The report also highlights a sharp decline in print journalism. Of the 16,269 journalistic vehicles mapped in Brazil, print accounts for only 19.3%, while online media represents 38.6% and radio 33.7%. The rate of media closures is accelerating, with the number of closures rising from 331 in 2021 to 1,460 in 2025, marking a 55% increase in the most recent measured year.