A recent report by the Reuters Institute highlights a significant trend: a growing number of people worldwide are increasingly turning away from traditional news sources. The study found that 39% of people globally sometimes or often actively avoid the news, a notable rise from 29% in 2017. In the United Kingdom, the preference for online news sources over TV and print has become more pronounced, with nearly three-quarters of the population opting for digital platforms. The report delves into the reasons behind this shift, including the overwhelming nature of the media landscape, disillusionment with politics, and the desire to avoid depressing news topics.
A record high 39% of people worldwide are actively avoiding the news, up from 29% in 2017.
In the UK, 74% of people get their news online, compared to 50% who watch TV news and 14% who read print.
The complexity and abundance of news sources online are causing people to feel overwhelmed and confused.
Disillusionment with politics and the impact of depressing news topics are significant factors in news avoidance.
Traditional media consumption is declining, with digital news consumption not increasing to fill the gap, leading to a challenge for traditional media companies.
The New York Times and niche digital brands have found success by appealing to audiences willing to pay for news or seeking specialized content.
Podcasting and short-form videos are gaining popularity, though not always through traditional news brands.
Young people, particularly those in the Gen Z demographic, prefer news that is participatory and interactive, often using social media as their primary news source.
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster headquartered at Broadcasting House in London. Originally established in 1922 as the British Broadcasting Company, it evolved into its current state with its current name on New Year’s Day 1927.
The BBC is the national broadcaster of the United Kingdom and the world's oldest and largest broadcast news organization. Principally funded by a public television license fee, it operates under a Royal Charter that mandates editorial impartiality and independence from the UK government. BBC News provides comprehensive global news, current affairs, and factual programming across radio, television, and online platforms, maintaining a vast network of foreign correspondents to serve audiences worldwide.
