Journalism is more valued in pandemic

TWO in three Britons value and appreciate journalism more since the pandemic hit, a survey has revealed.

The increase was most evident among under-35s – 77 per cent admit they now regard the work of journalists more highly.

The findings come amid growing concern about fake news and disinformation, fuelled by social media.

The major study, called World Without News, also reveals that 70 per cent of those surveyed agreed a ‘world without journalism would harm democratic society’. They felt that journalists covered issues that ‘might otherwise be overlooked’.

The research was commissioned by Newsworks, the marketing body for national newspapers, in association with the News Media Association and the Society of Editors.

It has been published during the Journalism Matters campaign week, which highlights the ‘vital role’ that ‘trusted news media journalism plays in our democratic society’. The study found six goals that news consumption can help people achieve, including ‘connecting with others’ and ‘understanding the world around us’.

NMA deputy chief executive Lynne Anderson said: ‘Trusted journalism produced by local and national news media titles is an essential part of the country’s response to the coronavrius pandemic.

‘But the industry needs urgent action from Government on a number of fronts – tackling the overweening power of the tech giants, promoting verifiable news sources, and initiating targeted support initiatives – so that it can continue to perform this vital role and deliver the journalism we all want to read.’

Jo Allan, managing director of Newsworks, said: ‘This research clearly shows the importance of trusted news and information. Journalism matters to increasingly large numbers of people.’