TV the dominant force in Cyprus news media

Television is the dominant force in Cypriot news media while younger audiences opt for social media, a study by the Cyprus Union of Journalists revealed on Tuesday.

The study showed that three out of four Cypriots use television to get information on topics of their interest.

While the use of television is especially prevalent in older audiences, it is still a medium that cuts across all ages.

Specifically, 89 per cent of those aged 65 and older and 88 per cent of those aged 55-64 use television to get information of interest.

Additionally, 77 per cent of those in the 45-54 age group, 69 per cent in the 35-44 age group, 65 per cent in the 25-34 age group and 54 per cent for those between 18-24 prefer television.

On the other hand, seven out of ten individuals asked said that they use social media to get information.

This includes 88 per cent of those aged between 18-34, 76 per cent of those aged between 35-44, 73 per cent of those aged between 45-54, 55 per cent of those aged between 55-64 and 25 per cent of those aged 65 plus.

Television also scores high on the general assessment category recording a ‘positive outlook’ among 49 per cent of those asked.

Positive outlook recorded for other media stands at 48 per cent for radio, 38 per cent for internet portals, 33 per cent for newspapers, 31 per cent for social media, and 19 per cent for magazines.

As far as fake news penetration within Cyprus is concerned, four out of ten believe there is a “high” degree of penetration. This opinion is mostly held by tertiary education graduates and those aged 25-54. Moreover, 44 per cent believe that fake news penetration is “moderate” while 13 per cent believe that it exists to a minor extent or not at all.

The medium disseminating the most fake news is “social media” according to 49 per cent of those asked, while 13 per cent said, “internet portals.”

Importantly, one in two individuals asked expressed trust in Cypriot journalists while 46 per cent of those asked said that they trust Cypriot news media in general.

Regarding people’s assessment of journalism in Cyprus, approximately one in two Cypriots gave a positive rating as far as media behaviour, ethics, news validity and knowledge of the subject are concerned.

Negative ratings were limited to 10-13 per cent, while approximately one in three expressed a moderate opinion on all characteristics under consideration.

In addition, 48 per cent of those asked consider Cypriot journalists as “reliable” while four out of ten individuals asked, believe that news media are financially dependent and 45 per cent believe that Cyprus media are prone to political influence.