Source: Reuters Institute
Posted: Sun Feb 16, 2025 3:47 am
Source: Reuters Institute
The data shows a significant increase in traffic to online news sites, especially for mainstream media. For example, the BBC recorded 70 million unique visitors at the start of the lockdown, a record for British audiences.
Before and during the pandemic, news sites have rcs database innovated significantly in terms of formats and “news products”: data journalism , visual “explainers”, newsletters and podcasts . A strategy to build relationships with readers outside of platforms and to improve the value proposition with the aim of encouraging subscriptions (a lot of Covid-19 content was available for free). Podcasts are enjoying major success (31% listen to them each month), despite a slight decline in listening due to the pandemic. 59% of people who listen to podcasts in the United States consider that the format allows for “a better and deeper understanding of complex subjects”.
The “distribution” of information: social networks become an even more important source
Despite publishers’ attempts to retain Internet users outside of GAFA platforms and concerns about misinformation, Internet users continue to use messaging and social networks to discuss, find and share information about Covid-19. 24% (+7 after the pandemic) of individuals surveyed during the crisis use WhatsApp to find and share information about the virus, and 18% have joined a support or discussion group with strangers on Facebook or WhatsApp to talk about Covid-19.
The data shows a significant increase in traffic to online news sites, especially for mainstream media. For example, the BBC recorded 70 million unique visitors at the start of the lockdown, a record for British audiences.
Before and during the pandemic, news sites have rcs database innovated significantly in terms of formats and “news products”: data journalism , visual “explainers”, newsletters and podcasts . A strategy to build relationships with readers outside of platforms and to improve the value proposition with the aim of encouraging subscriptions (a lot of Covid-19 content was available for free). Podcasts are enjoying major success (31% listen to them each month), despite a slight decline in listening due to the pandemic. 59% of people who listen to podcasts in the United States consider that the format allows for “a better and deeper understanding of complex subjects”.
The “distribution” of information: social networks become an even more important source
Despite publishers’ attempts to retain Internet users outside of GAFA platforms and concerns about misinformation, Internet users continue to use messaging and social networks to discuss, find and share information about Covid-19. 24% (+7 after the pandemic) of individuals surveyed during the crisis use WhatsApp to find and share information about the virus, and 18% have joined a support or discussion group with strangers on Facebook or WhatsApp to talk about Covid-19.