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
Social Media in 2025. Generational Differences Are Crystal Clear
KFi
More and more people are saying they’re cutting back on time spent on social media. And while this doesn’t mean a mass exodus, the trend is clear. According to latest GWI report, 31% of users said they had reduced their social media use. There’s also a subtle frustration.
Can a Robot Be Good Boss? Researchers from SWPS Look for Answers
SWPS
A robot giving orders at work is no longer a science fiction scenario - it's a research topic. Scientists from SWPS University in Poland set out to find out whether a robot can effectively manage human workers.
Equality and Diversity in Media: European Broadcasting Union Report
KFi
European public media are increasingly focusing on diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) as the foundation of their operations. Public broadcasters in Europe are implementing diversity strategies - both in content and within their teams. The findings from the report are clear: although progress is visible, many challenges remain.
See articles on a similar topic:
Mass Media in Poland
Agnieszka Osińska
Into the decade of years 90. Poland entered with media national, subjected to the political control. Starting from the half of 1989 our media market underwent transformations, biggest probably from the time of the World War II.
E-commerce Forecasts in Poland. Trends for 2024 and Beyond
Krzysztof Fiedorek
In 2024, e-commerce in Poland is reaching new heights, with an increasing number of consumers regularly shopping online. The report "E-shopping Habits of Poles 2024," prepared by SAMOSEO analysts, analyzes current trends and forecasts the industry's near future.
Who Reads the Press? Studies on Credibility, Reach, and Effectiveness
Sylwia Markowska
Press for advertising clients is an effective medium for building brand trust, fame, and popularity. According to global studies, it is one of the media with the highest return on advertising. Data collected by Polskie Badania Czytelnictwa (Polish Readership Research) indicates that the press also has exceptionally high ad visibility rates, as reading requires full concentration on content.
Reading Industry Magazines in Poland 2024: PBC Report
Sylwia Markowska
76% of readers of industry magazines are responsible for purchasing decisions in their workplace. To deepen the understanding of the role of industry press and how it is read, PBC surveyed 2051 respondents from 5 different sectors, gaining the latest insights into the reading habits of this segment of the press in Poland.