Results of a survey into local news audiences has revealed people’s passion for their local newspaper.
Here are some of the findings from the survey run by Deakin and RMIT universities:
• The majority of audiences prefer a printed newspaper, with younger generations also part of this trend. Country Press readers overall are 2.6 times as likely to read their local paper in print than in digital format.
• Audiences overwhelmingly view a printed copy of their newspaper as an essential service for their community. This
accords with our previous research that has advocated for recognition at the policy level of the vital importance of the
printed paper.
• 94% of respondents say they should be invited to have a say about government policies and decisions affecting the future of local newspapers.
• 61% of respondents say policies that affect the future of local newspapers would influence the way they vote at the next federal election.
Other findings include:
• Audiences indicate they are five times as likely to go directly to a local news website for their local news than Google or
Facebook, and almost 10 times as likely to go to the local newspaper website over a local council website for their local news and information. Surprisingly, just 5% of younger audiences say they mostly use social media to find out about local news.
• Audiences believe local newspapers should be collaboratively funded by a range of relevant stakeholders, including media companies, advertisers, subscribers, government and philanthropy to ensure their future.
• Audiences overwhelmingly indicate any additional funding for local news should be directed to employing more local
journalists to report news (71%), over increasing digital connectivity (13%) and digital innovation products (17%).
