Cision has just released its 2019 State of the Media Report, which sheds light on the public’s trust in the media and how journalists choose which stories to write about.
The past 12 months have been challenging for the media industry. Members of the press must contend with personal attacks, accusations of fake news, and the rapid spread of misinformation. Social media has been particularly difficult to work with this year, with complex updates to data privacy laws and sudden changes in newsfeed algorithms.
However, amidst this formidable environment, there’s a glimmer of hope; trust in the media might actually be on the rise.
Journalists are contending with fewer resources and a host of challenges, including receiving more PR pitches than ever — 16% of journalists said they want PR professionals to stop spamming them.
The report reveals important insights, sourced from nearly 2,000 journalists in 10 countries, including:
- (Dis)trust in the media – Journalists believe the public’s lack of trust in the media might be on the decline
- The role of data in deciding which stories to cover – Journalists are making more data-driven decisions around the content they publish
- The rise of social media – Social media is becoming a more challenging and complex partner for publishers
Responses reflect growing concerns around the changing role of social media, an increasing reliance on data-driven storytelling, and positive shifts in perceptions of trust.
In this fragmented, dynamic media environment, communications and PR professionals have an opportunity to become even more reliable partners with their media counterparts.
