Navigating News Apathy and Trust

This chapter explores the challenges media organizations face in competing with online giants for audience attention, particularly in New Zealand, where a significant trend of news avoidance is emerging due to content negativity and mental health concerns. It discusses the impact of perceived bias and trust issues in news consumption, contrasting the engagement levels in different regions. Furthermore, the chapter delves into the complexities of audience relationships with news, highlighting preferences for useful content versus sensationalism, and the increasing polarization in media consumption.