An interesting statistic from a survey of habits from TNS to mark the end of 2008. It’s a global survey that concentrates largely on people’s online habits, but for me the most interesting statistic is just how low UK newspapers have sunk in people’s trust.
The survey was global and the UK came out bottom in this category. We trust our press the least it seems and only 23% now believe what they read in the papers. I guess tabloid readers make up a very small percentage of that 23% too. I take this as a good sign myself – I’ve always felt the press have too much power but the fact no-one really believes it anymore is very encouraging.
I’ve long held that the UK press basically writes whatever it thinks will sell papers, irrespective of what actually happened. Of course, the broadsheets are generally more accurate than the tabloids – no surprise there – but it’s comforting to know that the general population isn’t so stupid after all. Although it still amazes me how many people still buy the crap half these “papers” dish up. I’m guessing they buy it for entertainment these days, and any real news is just a nice extra. Celebrities seem to be the thing that captures people’s attention although it’s a little sad that some people are more interested in other people’s lives than their own. Actually, I’m being hypoctical here because I know I fall into that trap whenever Big Brother launches, although in my defence…nah, there is no defence for that actually. I’m just sad ;)
Me personally, I haven’t bought a paper for years (excluding the odd train journey) and I read it all online via the BBC site each day. The last time I bought any of the tabloids was when Princess Diana died and for me, irrespective of what anyone says, that was down to the paparazzi. So that’s my own private stand! And anyway, having just bought PAYG mobile broadband, I’ll probably use that on the train now too. Bad news for the cat litter tray, but good news for trees!