Canadians like, but don't trust, social media for news, according to CJF poll conducted by Maru/Matchbox
TORONTO, April 9, 2019 /CNW/ - A new poll commissioned by The Canadian Journalism Foundation and conducted by Maru/Matchbox shows that while social media is a top news source for both Canadians and Americans, it is among the least trusted source for Canadians.
While social media (such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram) is a top news source for 52% of Canadians (alongside news websites) it was also the least trusted, at only 32%. This is especially true for Canadian millennials; social media is the most common (73%) but least trusted news source at 36%.
In the U.S., social media is also one of the top news sources at 48%. However, Americans trust in social media is higher than among Canadians, at 43%. And, in stark contrast to Canadians, trust in social media rises to 60% among American millennials.
"Social media is changing our relationship with the news," says Sara Cappe, Managing Director of Public Affairs for international pollster Maru/Matchbox. "While it has become a common source of news and news-related information, people are less trusting of what they find there. The upside is that many feel more engaged with the news than ever before."
The poll found that both Canadian (53%) and American respondents (54%) believed that "fake news" was most likely to dominate politics, topping other news categories such as entertainment, lifestyle or business. The poll also showed that Americans (51%) are more likely than Canadians (37%) to believe that fake news is easy to spot.
"As citizens, we care about maintaining the integrity of a free press and we're concerned about the impact of 'fake news' in the upcoming U.S. presidential election," says Cappe. "Many Canadians – and Americans – feel that 'fake news' is a significant issue and believe that the situation is most dire in the US."
For this survey, a representative sample of 1,516 Canadians and 1,523 Americans who are members of the Springboard America and Maru Voice Canada panels were interviewed via an online survey on March 27-28, 2019. The margin of error on a probability sample of this size in each market is +/- 2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
The poll results come ahead of tonight's Ottawa CJF J-Talk "The Fight for Truth: Political Journalism in 2019."
The featured speakers are: Sarah Kendzior, the St. Louis, Missouri-based op-ed columnist for The Globe and Mail and co-host of the Gaslit Nation podcast; Vassy Kapelos, host of Power & Politics on CBC News; and Tonda MacCharles, senior reporter with the Toronto Star's Ottawa bureau; in a conversation with Alison Smith, host of CPAC's Perspective with Alison Smith.
This event is part of the annual J-Talks series, which explores pressing media issues. The CJF thanks the generosity of J-Talks series sponsor BMO Financial Group, venue sponsor National Arts Centre, and in-kind supporters Cision and CPAC/The Democracy Project.
Tickets are available online until 2:30 p.m., then at the door, cash only.
WHEN: Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Doors open: 6:30 p.m., Discussion 7:00 p.m., Reception 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: National Arts Centre (O'Born Room), One Elgin St., Ottawa
General admission: $25
Student tickets (ID required. Limited availability): $15
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About Maru/Matchbox
Maru/Matchbox is a full-service marketing research consulting firm with offices around the globe. Our Public Affairs practice provides organizations with the tools and insights to connect with people across North America through our online communities – Maru Voice Canada and Springboard America.
About The Canadian Journalism Foundation
Founded in 1990, The Canadian Journalism Foundation promotes, celebrates and facilitates excellence in journalism. The foundation runs a prestigious awards and fellowships program featuring an industry gala where news leaders, journalists and corporate Canada gather to celebrate outstanding journalistic achievement and the value of professional journalism. Through monthly J-Talks, a public speakers' series, the CJF facilitates dialogue among journalists, business people, academics and students about the role of the media in Canadian society and the ongoing challenges for media in the digital era. The foundation also fosters opportunities for journalism education, training and research.
SOURCE Canadian Journalism Foundation
For inquiries: Natalie Turvey, Executive Director, The Canadian Journalism Foundation, 416-955-0396, [email protected]; Sara Cappe, Senior Vice-President and Managing Director, Public Affairs, Maru/Matchbox, 647-258-1427, [email protected]
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