How Do You Like Your News Curated?

The Kantar Media Brand and Trust in a Fragmented News Environment Report shows that news audiences tend to prefer algorithms (software automation) as the content selection method on websites and social media over manual selection of content by editors (real people).

Computer algorithms display news based on factors such as:

·      recency and popularity

·      what has been read before

·      what friends have been reading or sharing

This report aligns with the 2016 Digital NewsReport that shows 36% prefer news based on what they had read before, 22% prefer news based on what their friends have read, and 30% prefer editor-selected news. Unsurprisingly, younger and more technically-included users are more open to algorithms, while older and less technical adults prefer to trust the guidance of editors.

Cited reasons for algorithm preference include:

·      perceived as independent of political and editorial agendas

·      more personalized content based on consumption habits

·      introduction to a broader range of content based on their interests

Cited reasons for editor preference include:

·      algorithms can lead to a “filter bubble” lacking alternate news sources and perspectives

·      data security and privacy concerns

·      familiarity- it feels more like reading a print paper

Here is the full chart illustrating the advantages and disadvantages of each method:

I have to say that I like algorithms myself. I would rather have tailored content than receive too many stories that do not interest me. It is just much more convenient. I spend less time searching for the news I want and more time reading and interacting with it.

How do YOU prefer your news curated?