路透-2018年网络新闻报告（英文）-2019.7-144页_18mb

Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2018 Summary

Core Content

The Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2018 is a comprehensive analysis of news consumption patterns across 37 countries, based on survey data from over 74,000 respondents and qualitative insights from focus groups. The report explores how digital platforms are reshaping news consumption, the role of trust and misinformation, and the evolving strategies of news publishers.

Main Findings

1. News Consumption Trends

• Social Media Use for News: After years of growth, social media usage for news has plateaued or declined in many key markets.
  • United States: Usage dropped from 51% in 2017 to 45% in 2018 (-6 percentage points).
  • United Kingdom: Fell from 41% in 2017 to 27% in 2018 (-2 percentage points).
  • Brazil: Declined from 63% in 2016 to 52% in 2018 (-5 percentage points).
  • Facebook: The primary platform for news consumption, but its usage has decreased significantly in several countries, especially among younger users. The decline is partly attributed to changes in Facebook's algorithm, which prioritises personal interactions over news content.
  • Alternative Platforms: Messaging apps like WhatsApp have gained popularity, especially in Latin America and parts of Asia. WhatsApp usage for news reached 54% in Malaysia and 48% in Brazil, while it was only 4% in the United States.

2. Trust in News

• Overall Trust: The average level of trust in news across all countries remains relatively stable at 44%.
• Trust in Specific Sources:
  • Mainstream Media: 51% of respondents trust the news media they use most often.
  • Search: 34% trust news found via search.
  • Social Media: Less than a quarter (23%) trust news found on social media.
• News Literacy: For the first time, the report measures news literacy. Those with higher literacy levels tend to prefer traditional newspaper brands and use social media for news differently. They are also more cautious about government interventions to combat misinformation.

3. Responsibility for Misinformation

• Publishers and Platforms: 75% of respondents believe publishers should take the most responsibility for addressing fake and unreliable news, followed by 71% who hold platforms accountable.
• Government Intervention: There is public support for government action against fake news, particularly in Europe (60%) and Asia (63%), while only 41% of Americans support this.

4. Revenue Models

• Subscriptions: Rising in several countries, including Norway (+4%), Sweden (+6%), and Finland (+4%).
• Paywalls: In countries with fewer publishers, paywall strategies are increasingly used. However, in more fragmented markets, many publishers still offer free content.
• Donations & Crowdfunding: Emerging as a viable alternative revenue model, especially in Spain, the UK, and the US. These are often linked to political beliefs and disproportionately come from younger users.

5. Emerging News Formats

• News Apps & Email Newsletters: Continue to grow in importance.
• Podcasts: Becoming more popular globally, with 33% of US users and 18% of UK users consuming podcasts. Younger audiences are more likely to use podcasts than speech radio.
• Voice-Activated Assistants: Usage has more than doubled in the US, Germany, and the UK, with around half of users using them for news and information.

6. Privacy and Ad-Blocking

• Privacy Concerns: Have led to increased use of ad-blocking software, with over a quarter (27%) of users blocking ads on any device, ranging from 42% in Greece to 13% in South Korea.

7. Challenges for Traditional Media

• Decline in Print and Digital Advertising: Continues to challenge traditional media companies.
• Role of Public Broadcasters: Questions remain about their ability to attract younger audiences, despite remaining a critical news source for many.

Key Insights and Analysis

• Platform Influence: Tech companies like Facebook play a significant role in shaping news consumption through their algorithms.
• Regional Variations: Countries vary greatly in their digital news ecosystems, influenced by history, geography, politics, and regulation.
• Polarisation and Fake News: Trust in news is often low due to political polarization and concerns over fake news, which are exacerbated by political rhetoric.

Methodology Overview

• Survey Conducted by: YouGov, using an online questionnaire.
• Sample Size: Over 74,000 respondents across 37 countries.
• Data Weighting: Based on census and industry data for age, gender, and region.
• Focus Groups: Conducted in the US, UK, Germany, and Brazil to explore social media and messaging app usage.
• Limitations: The study under-represents non-online populations and focuses on countries with high internet penetration and democratic traditions.

Support and Partnerships

• Sponsors: Google, BBC, Ofcom, and other media institutions.
• Academic Partners: Contributed to country-specific analysis and insights.
• Additional Support: From YouGov, who assisted in data analysis and interpretation.

Conclusion

The report highlights both the challenges and opportunities facing the news industry in the digital age. While there are signs of hope with increased subscription models and the rise of podcasts and voice assistants, the overall landscape is marked by declining trust, the influence of tech platforms, and the need for improved news literacy. The digital revolution continues to be a complex and evolving phenomenon across different regions.