2.09.2024 Media industry
Decline in Trust in Media. Analysis of the Reuters Digital News Report 2024
Krzysztof Fiedorek
The “Digital News Report 2024” by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism highlights alarming trends concerning the declining interest in news and decreasing trust in media. These changes are not temporary but have become a long-term trend.
Poczytaj artykuł
The data collected in the report shows that these changes are not merely temporary but reflect a long-term trend that could have serious implications for the future of journalism worldwide.
Decreasing Interest in News
One of the report’s most concerning findings is the ongoing decline in interest in news across many countries. For example, in the United Kingdom, interest in news has nearly halved over the past decade — from 70% in 2015 to just 38% in 2024. A similar trend is seen in Argentina, where interest in news dropped from 77% in 2017 to 45% in 2024.
It’s also worth noting that women and young people represent a significant portion of this shift. Among younger generations, a growing number are avoiding traditional news in favor of alternative sources, such as social media. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram, for instance, are becoming primary sources of information for young people, further reducing their interest in traditional forms of journalism.
Decline in Trust in Media
Trust in media has also deteriorated significantly over recent years. In 2024, only 40% of respondents across 47 surveyed countries stated that they trust most news most of the time. By comparison, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, this figure was four percentage points higher.
It’s notable that Finland is the only country where interest in news has remained high, an exception to the general downward trend. In other countries, such as Greece and Hungary, trust in media is at its lowest, reaching just 23%.
Examples of Changing Perceptions of Media
The report also highlights the rise in selective news avoidance, with about 39% of respondents saying they sometimes or often avoid news — an increase of three percentage points from the previous year. In some countries, such as Brazil, Spain, Germany, and Finland, this rise is even more pronounced.
Ongoing conflicts, like those in Ukraine and Gaza, may contribute to audience fatigue and a reluctance to follow the news.
The study also indicates that while the public feels well-served with political and sports news, there’s a shortage of coverage on local events, health, and education.
Conclusions
The “Digital News Report 2024” reveals significant challenges facing modern journalism. Decreasing interest in news and declining trust in media are trends that could lead to the further marginalization of traditional forms of journalism if appropriate actions are not taken.
Media organizations must rethink their strategies and find ways to regain trust and engage audiences, particularly among younger generations who are increasingly distancing themselves from traditional media.
The full Digital News Report 2024 can be downloaded for free at:
https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/digital-news-report/2024
COMMERCIAL BREAK
New articles in section Media industry
Clickbait Uncovered. How Online Headlines Evolved Over 25 Years
Krzysztof Fiedorek
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute analyzed 40 million headlines from the past 25 years. They are getting longer, more emotional, and negative, with a clear influence of clickbait style. Even reputable media use strategies and tricks to grab attention.
Gen Z Will Force Brands to Tell the Truth. GWI Report and Forecasts
Krzysztof Fiedorek
They value authenticity and brand transparency, preferring socially engaged companies. Young people see technology as a tool for growth, not just entertainment. In relationships, they prioritize genuine connections despite being highly active online. What do we know about Gen Z, and what does this mean for marketing? And beyond.
Deepfake Blurs Truth and Falsehood. Human Perception Research
KFi
Studies indicate that only 60% of deepfake images can be correctly identified by humans. As AI begins to dominate content production, the problem of differentiation fatigue grows – users lose confidence in assessing the authenticity of information and fall into cynicism.
See articles on a similar topic:
Hate speech is contagious and leads to harm [EXPERT OPINION]
Karolina Kropiwiec
‘If we are in an environment where certain groups of people are insulted, there is a high probability that we will start using such language ourselves; hate speech is contagious and its consequence is someone's harm,’ says Dr. Michał Bilewicz from the Centre for Research on Prejudice at the University of Warsaw.
Music for Overstimulated Children: Research from Polish Kindergartens
OOO
Hyperactivity, impatience, and difficulties with concentration are increasingly common challenges faced by preschool and school-aged children. An excess of stimuli, including digital ones, makes it hard for children to focus on a single task. Is there anything that can be done about it?
Review of media from around the world. See what they are buzzing about [LINK]
AUTOPROMOCJA Reporterzy.info
What is the media buzzing about? A review of the headlines of the most important newspapers and websites. Events of the day, country, world, media market, economy, sport, foreign media, and even gossip and curiosities. In real time and 24 hours a day. We invite you!
Media in the Balkans and Turkey
Michał Kuźmiński
The Balkans have long been referred to as a “melting pot,” and for good reason. This region is highly diverse and quite unstable. Consequently, the media landscape here is varied as well. In some places, such as democratic Greece, a member of the European Union, the media market is stable and easy to navigate.