In all the countries where we conducted surveys, we found that the coronavirus epidemic has significantly increased the amount of news read by the mainstream media. Online and television news sources have seen significant increases, and more people identify television as their primary source of news, providing temporary respite from a picture of declining growth. The decline of printed newspapers is likely to speed up the transition towards all-digital news. But, many countries have seen a significant rise in the usage of social media as well as the the internet. WhatsApp experienced the greatest growth in the last year, with an increase of around ten percent in certain countries. More than half (51%) of respondents used any type of open or closed group on the internet to connect, share information or participate in an online support system for local residents.
As of April 2020 confidence in the media's coverage of COVID-19 was relatively high across all countries, with a similar level to national governments and significantly greater than that of individual politicians. For more information about COVID-19 trust in media was higher than for video platforms, social media and messaging services. Concerns about misinformation in the world continue to rise as a result of our larger set of data that we've gathered since January. Nearly half of the global sample expressed concern about the authenticity or accuracy of the internet's news content, even before the coronavirus epidemic. Although, it is the domestic political system that is frequently cited as the source of false information, people who consider themselves right-wingers, such as those in the United States, are more likely not to blame the media. Facebook is seen almost everywhere as the primary source for disseminating incorrect facts. WhatsApp is however more responsible in countries like Brazil as well as Malaysia.
Our survey in January across the world revealed that less than four-in-10 (38 percent) of respondents said they trust most news most often. This represents a decrease by four percentage points over the year before. Just 46 percent of respondents were able to trust the news they have used. Particularly, public broadcasters that are losing support from left - and right-leaning partisans may be in danger due to the rising political conflict. Our research suggests that 60 percent still prefer news without any particular opinion, while just 28 percent of people prefer news to reinforce or share their opinions. Partisan preferences have slightly increased in the United States since we last asked the question in 2013, but even here a silent majority appears to be searching for news that at the very least is objective.
News media are more likely to expose false statements made by politicians as they adapt to the new ways of communicating (52%) The public is less comfortable with advertisements on social media or search engines as they were with TV ads for political causes. A majority (58%) would prefer that platforms block advertisements with inaccurate claims. Online news has seen an increase in the amount of money paid in several countries such as the United States at 20% (+4) and Norway at 42 percent (+8). There were small increases in other markets. It is important that most users do not pay for online news in all countries even though certain publishers have reported an increase in their payments.
The subscribers appreciate the exclusivity and quality of the content. Subscribers believe they are getting higher quality information. However, most are content with the information they have access to obtain at no cost. Also, we observe the high proportion of non-subscribers (40 percent in the US and 50 percent in the UK) who say that they cannot convince their to pay. In countries with higher rates of pay (e.g. the USA and Norway) between one third and half of subscriptions are given to just a few big national brands, indicating that the winning-takes-all dynamic continues. However, in these two countries, a substantial percentage of subscribers now have multiple publications and often add a specialist or local publication. For radio din Alba Iulia Romanian commercial radio station. The format is 60% news and 40 percent music. Their current programming range concentrates on news from the county as well as special programs and talk shows. They are attracted by news, contests, interviews, as well as cultural programs and debates, as well as music and entertainment.
In the majority of countries local newspapers and their websites are the primary source of news about a particular town or region, reaching four in 10 (44 percent) every week. We discover that Facebook as well as other social networks are utilized by an average of a third (31 percent) in local news and information. This further puts pressure on businesses and their business models. News access continues to grow growing. Over 25% of people prefer to begin their news experience using apps or websites. Those aged 18-24 (so-called Generation Z) have an even lower connection to apps and websites, and are more than two times more likely to access news via social media. Instagram news use has increased by more than a quarter across every age group. The trend is expected to continue throughout the coming year.
To combat the growth of various platforms, publishers have tried to communicate directly with their customers via email and mobile alerts. One-in-five Americans (21%) reads their news messages every week. More than half who do so make use of it as their primary method of accessing information. Northern European nations have had a longer time to adopt email news channels. Only 10% use Finnish email news. However, podcasts have seen an increase in popularity over the past year coronavirus locks might have temporarily reversed this trend. All countries surveyed (50%) acknowledged that podcasts can provide more understanding and depth than other media. Spotify has taken over the podcast application of Apple to become the most popular destination for podcasts in many countries.
Seven out of ten (69%) consider climate change an issue that is serious. However, in the United States and Australia, a substantial minority do not agree. The majority of these people are more right-leaning and are older. Younger people can find a lot more information about climate change via social media, or by following activists such as Greta Thunberg. Amazon Echo and Google Home are two examples of voice-activated intelligent devices that are continuing to gain popularity. In the UK their use for all purposes has increased from 14%-19 percentage to 19 percent, Germany from 7%-12% and South Korea from 9%-13%. However, we observe that usage for news remains at a low level in all markets.