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.
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illustration: bing.com/createThe 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
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