Avoiding the News: Reluctant Audiences for Journalism

People in many countries avoid the news for various reasons, such as lack of time, perceived lack of value, emotional drain, and distrust of media. This book explores why and how people circumvent news, identifies groups more and less reluctant to follow the news, and discusses the problems associated with news avoidance, such as exacerbating existing inequalities. Persuading news-averse audiences of the value of journalism requires a deeper understanding of their relationships with news across social, political, and technological boundaries.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 26 December 2023
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Why and how do people circumvent news?

A growing number of individuals in various countries are consistently avoiding the news for various reasons. They perceive a lack of time, believe it to be unworthy of their effort, find it irrelevant or emotionally taxing, or lack trust in the media, among other factors. Understanding the reasons and mechanisms behind news avoidance is crucial, as it poses challenges for individuals, the news industry, and society as a whole.

Which groups are more and less reluctant to follow the news?

Research indicates that news avoidance tends to be more prevalent among disadvantaged groups. This phenomenon can exacerbate existing inequalities by further tilting mainstream journalism towards privileged audiences. It is essential to address this issue to ensure that diverse perspectives and voices are heard in the media.

In what ways is news avoidance a problem—for individuals, for the news industry, for society—and how can it be addressed?

News avoidance poses problems for individuals as it can limit their access to important information and insights. It can also hinder their ability to engage in informed discussions and make well-informed decisions. For the news industry, it can result in a decline in audience engagement and revenue, as fewer people are consuming their content. Moreover, news avoidance can contribute to a lack of awareness and understanding of societal issues, which can have broader societal consequences.

Addressing news avoidance requires a multifaceted approach. One strategy is to improve the accessibility and relevance of news content, particularly for marginalized groups. This can involve offering diverse perspectives, using plain language, and providing multimedia formats that cater to different learning styles. Additionally, news organizations can work towards building trust with their audiences by providing accurate, unbiased reporting and engaging in transparent practices.

Furthermore, promoting media literacy and critical thinking skills can help individuals navigate the news landscape more effectively. This can involve teaching people how to evaluate news sources, identify misinformation, and think critically about the information they consume. By fostering a culture of media literacy, individuals can become more discerning consumers of news and better equipped to engage with the media in a meaningful way.

In conclusion, news avoidance is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. By improving accessibility, relevance, and trustworthiness of news content, promoting media literacy, and addressing social and economic inequalities, we can work towards creating a more informed and engaged society.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231205184