Essential Research yesterday published results of recent research into what Australians think, among other things, about journalism and the challenges facing newspapers. On the question of concern about newspapers closing…
48% were very or somewhat concerned about the possibility of most daily newspapers closing in the next few years and 48% were only a little or not at all concerned. 78% of those who read daily were very/somewhat concerned – and 52% were very concerned.
Those most concerned were women (53% very/somewhat), aged 55+ (59%) and Victorians (59%).
I encourage newsagents to read the Essential report. I am surprised at the weak support in the community for journalism and newspapers. I am also surprised at the low engagement with news websites.
I would like to see these numbers in context. e.g. If you cover around 4000 households and have sales of around 2000 units per day, then your circulation is in line with the survey results. I’d suggest that 50% of the population has never been interested in newspapers. If they want news (an perhaps many of them don’t) they watch the telly or listen to the radio – and thats enough for them.
Think that is a big result for papers
“I’d suggest that 50% of the population has never been interested in newspapers”
I really doubt this. If you asked people 30 years ago if they were worried about papers closing the number would be much higher.
My Sat papers arrive at 11.30 – 12 noon. Customers queue up as if there will be not tomorrows paper. I do not see the younger generation doing the same thing as they are not in my queues now. So yes they will die out but not tomorrow.