This archive report was first published on 17 June 2020.
Published on June 17, 2020, a recent survey by the Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2020 reveals a growing concern about misinformation online and on social media.
According to the report, local politicians are the top source of misinformation, with most people holding them responsible rather than activists, journalists, or foreign governments.
The survey, conducted in January and early February before the Covid-19 outbreak, drew data from 40 countries, including Kenya and South Africa.
It also highlights a shift towards a more digital, mobile, and paid media environment, with evidence that some distinctive and premium news publishers continue to record growth in their subscriptions.
Interestingly, the politicians are more widely blamed in Brazil, the Philippines, the United States, and South Africa.
Furthermore, the survey notes that in some countries, including the US, people who identify themselves as right-wing are more likely to blame the media as part of dynamics leading to picking sides.
However, across countries, the survey data shows most people (52 per cent) agree that news media should report these politicians' statements prominently because 'it is important for the public to know what the politician said', rather than not highlight the politician's statement (29 per cent).
Mr. Richard Fletcher, a senior research fellow at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, notes that the public is more cautious when it comes to political advertising through social media.
He adds that technology companies have a responsibility to ensure information on their platform is accurate, and that most people want them to block advertisements by political parties, which might be inaccurate.
Kenyan news audiences remain some of the most trusting, with 50 per cent of respondents saying they trust most news, most of the time.
The report also highlights the impact of Covid-19 on the print media and advertising, indicating that the pandemic has made them focus on strategies for subscription, membership, and donations.
