Trust in news rose to 45%, with mainstream outlets like CNA topping the list, says Reuters Institute report.
SINGAPORE: For the fifth year in a row, Mediacorp’s CNA has been named Singapore’s most trusted news brand, according to a Reuters Institute report from the University of Oxford, published on June 14. CNA achieved a trust score of 75%, marking a 3% increase from 2022. Channel 5 News and The Straits Times followed closely with scores of 73%.
CNA’s success is part of a broader trend, as Singapore’s overall trust in news rose to 45%, with mainstream media remaining the most reliable news sources. Other Mediacorp brands, including Channel 8 News and Mediacorp Radio News, also placed within the top 10 for trust, with scores of 70% and 68%, respectively.
Globally, however, trust in news fell to 40%, with Finland leading at 69% and Greece at the lowest with 19%. The report highlights the role of press freedom and media independence in influencing public trust in news.
Most Used Online News Source
The report also revealed shifts in digital news consumption. Mothership, an alternative news site, was identified as the most-used online news source for the first time, with a weekly reach of 48%. However, CNA’s online presence remains significant, ranking second with a weekly reach of 46% and a consistent 32% reach for those who engage three times a week or more.
Social media continues to shape news consumption habits, with Facebook usage declining to 36% and platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok growing as news sources. Notably, WhatsApp emerged as the most popular app for news access at 38%. However, TikTok’s popularity among younger users has sparked regulatory attention, with public officials in Singapore restricted from using the app on government devices due to concerns over misinformation.
The report illustrates evolving dynamics in Singapore’s media landscape, with traditional outlets maintaining public trust and digital platforms gaining wider use among younger audiences.
