Thirst for news grows one year after lockdown

AUCKLAND, Today: The newspaper sector is talking up new research that shows Kiwis’ thirst for news is undiminished, one year after we fist went into lockdown.

News Publishers Association GM Brook Cameron said: “Our newsrooms went into hyper drive covering the biggest news event in recent memory.

“What impact has the wall-to-wall Covid-19 coverage for weeks on end had on New Zealanders’ media consumption habits?

“The NPA has taken a close look at the impact of Covid-19 on news consumption over the past 12 months, commissioning the NPA Post-Covid News Engagement Study.

“52% are engaging more with news websites/apps compared to a year ago.”

“Fieldwork – 1225 respondents – was undertaken March 5-14,  with initial findings supporting the hypothesis that behaviour and engagement has changed as a result of the unprecedented year that was 2020.”

Engagement up by half

• 52% of respondents are engaging more with news websites/apps compared to a year ago
• 72% say NZ newspapers and news media are highly important to them in the post-COVID world.
• 67% believe NZ newspapers and news media are an important element of the social fabric of New Zealand
• 63% of respondents say it is more important than ever that New Zealand has local newspapers and news media.

Brook Cameron: “Over the next few months we’ll be providing more in-depth insights and analysis from our study.”

• More here: npa.co.nz