WHAT THE DATA SAY: 57% say misinformation is #1 issue affecting trust in news media

By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

AMERICANS STILL BELIEVE IN NEWS

While trust in the news media continues to decline, Americans still believe in the importance of the news media for a healthy democracy, according to a new poll by HarrisX as part of Stagwell’s Future of News initiative.

• 25% of Americans and 25% of British consumers label themselves as “news junkies.”
• American news junkies read an average of 7 news articles a day and check the news 5.6 times a day.
• British news junkies read an average of 4.8 news articles a day and check the news 4 times a day.
• News junkies are primarily Gen X (64%, versus 58% of the general population) and college graduates (51%, versus 38% of the general population).
• 56% of adults say it’s important for younger generations to watch the news more than they currently do.
• Americans follow general news the most (78%), followed by political news (71%), economic news (63%), international news/global affairs (63%) and healthcare news (59%). 
• 71% say companies should advertise on news media: (78% for news junkies), and 66% have a more positive impression of companies that advertise on news (74% for news junkies).
• Local TV news is rated the most trusted news media source (73%), followed by broadcast TV (67%), local newspapers (66%), radio (65%), national newspapers (64%), cable news (59%), magazines (58%), online publications (55%), podcasts (52%) and social media (41%). 
• When asked about trust in news, 42% say it’s declining, 43% see no improvement, and 15% say it’s improving. 
• The top issues undermining trust in news are misinformation/fake news (57%), poor separation between news and opinion content (46%) and sensationalism and bias (44%).

TWO THIRDS SAY NO ONE CARES ABOUT THEIR HEALTHCARE

Americans want a better healthcare system that works for more people, and providers, payers and patients need better communication, coordination and incentives to get there. This is based on new Harris Poll research presented at the Milken Institute’s Future of Health Summit.

• 66% of Americans say they have to be responsible for their health because no one else seems to care.
• 52% say following social media health and wellness trends is more accessible than trying to connect with medical professionals.
• 55% of patients of color report receiving poor quality care within the last year (up 11 points from a year ago), and 52% have needed a second opinion after their concerns were dismissed by their original healthcare provider (up 7 points from a year ago).
• A 47-point gap exists between Black and White Americans on the statement: “My race determines the quality of care I receive.”
• 86% of Americans are ready to work with their doctors and health professionals to create change, yet 57% worry there won’t be systemic change for many years.

WOMEN UNPREPARED FOR RETIREMENT

Women remain at greater risk than men for failing to achieve a financially secure retirement, based on new Harris Poll research with the Transamerica Institute.

• Women workers dream of an active and fulfilling retirement, including travel (70%), spending more time with family and friends (60%) and pursuing hobbies (49%).
• Yet only 16% are “very confident” that they could fully retire with a comfortable lifestyle.
• Women have a median of $44,000 in total household retirement savings, with Boomer women saving more ($98,000, versus Gen X at $61,000, Millennials at $37,000 and Gen Z at 21%.
• Only 29% of women currently use a professional financial advisor, and fewer (17%) report frequently discussing saving, investing and retirement planning with friends and family.

ICYMI:

In case you missed it, check out the thought-leadership and happenings around Stagwell making news:

• 60% of Americans Worried About Holiday Porch Piracy
• Gen Zers are landing job interviews through TikTok
• X gains ground, with HelloFresh and Chick-fil-A also winning Gen Z attention
• Gen Z Are Relying on Their Parents to Help Pick Health Insurance Plans