The eighth edition of Atlas da Notícia will update Brazil's local journalism map. The project will now include digital-native news initiatives. First results are expected in August, with the full census due by late 2026.
Brazil's journalism landscape is set for a major update as the Projor – Instituto para o Desenvolvimento do Jornalismo launches the eighth edition of Atlas da Notícia. This new phase will, for the first time, systematically map not only traditional local news outlets but also the growing number of journalism initiatives that operate primarily on digital platforms such as social media, newsletters, podcasts, messaging apps, and video services.
The expanded census responds to a shift in how news is produced and consumed across Brazil. According to project coordinators, the rise of individual creators and small teams distributing news via third-party platforms is reshaping the information ecosystem, especially in regions previously considered 'news deserts'—municipalities with no local news presence. The new mapping aims to capture these changes and provide a clearer picture of the current media environment.
Initial findings on platform-native journalism are scheduled for release in August, with the comprehensive results of the 2026 census expected by the end of the second semester. The project is coordinated by five regional researchers and supported by hundreds of volunteers, including professors, students, and local contributors, who will collect data from all 5,570 Brazilian municipalities. The data will be accessible through a free API, and a new logged-in area is planned to enhance access and data cross-referencing, including updated Human Development Index figures.
Support for the current edition comes from organizations such as Google, the Associação Brasileira de Jornalismo Investigativo (Abraji), the Sociedade Brasileira de Estudos Interdisciplinares da Comunicação (Intercom), the Associação Brasileira de Ensino em Jornalismo (ABEJ), and the Associação Brasileira de Pesquisadores em Jornalismo (SBPJor). Each region is overseen by a dedicated research coordinator, with teams of communication students and citizen volunteers gathering information on local journalism outlets. Those interested in contributing can register via an online form.
Recent editions of Atlas da Notícia have documented a steady decline in news deserts, driven by the expansion of online journalism. The 2025 census recorded a 7.7% reduction in municipalities without local news outlets, as 251 new digital initiatives were added to the database. The number of online journalism projects grew from 5,245 to 5,712, an 8.9% increase over the previous year, far outpacing the growth of traditional radio and TV stations.
Atlas da Notícia is a collaborative project initiated by Projor, a non-profit organization founded in 2002 by journalist Alberto Dines in partnership with Labjor at Unicamp. Projor also coordinates projects such as Observatório da Imprensa, Codesinfo, and the Programa de Indicadores de Compromissos com o Público. Technical support is provided by Volt Data Lab, which has worked with the project since its inception, offering data analysis and technology services to news organizations and NGOs. Partner associations like Abraji, Intercom, ABEJ, and SBPJor contribute expertise in investigative journalism, communication studies, journalism education, and research networking.
For context, Brazil's media sector has undergone rapid digitalization in recent years, mirroring global trends. The shift toward digital platforms has enabled more diverse voices to reach local audiences, particularly in underserved areas. As a result, projects like Atlas da Notícia play a crucial role in tracking these developments, informing public policy, academic research, and industry strategies. The availability of open data and integration with public databases further enhances the project's value for researchers, journalists, and policymakers seeking to understand and support independent journalism in Brazil.
