“Access to local news is a critical infrastructure of democracy. It informs citizens, fosters civic participation, ensures governmental accountability, and builds community identity. However, in rural communities across the United States and globally, the collapse of local news ecosystems has raised alarms about the broader societal consequences of “news deserts.” This literature review examines the value and social impact of news access in rural areas, drawing on empirical studies, scholarly analyses, and policy-driven reports. It explores how news access affects civic engagement, community cohesion, economic stability, and democratic participation, while also considering innovative responses and future models for sustainable rural journalism.”