Media Consumption in the Covid-19 Outbreak: A Review of Global Reports

Abstract

This study reveals the situation of seeking information, media consumption and trust in information sources of countries around the world on COVID-19 pandemic. The paper aims to reveal the global situation by examining the findings and results of the research carried out by international organizations during the coronavirus outbreak. For this purpose, “Edelman Trust Barometer Coronavirus Special Report (2020)”, “Global Web Index Coronavirus Research (2020)” and “Statista-Coronavirus: Impact on Media Consumption Worldwide (2020)” reports were examined. According to the data of the three international studies, there have been significant increases in both traditional and new media consumption worldwide depending on the need to search for information in times of crisis. The most reliable sources among the countries are WHO’s, CDC’s, or government websites, but the reports reveal that finding a reliable source is not a sufficient reason to use it. In addition, when comparing before and during the pandemic, an increase is observed in paid subscription platforms as can be seen from the reports.