A
lmost half of UK online adults came
across false or misleading information
about coronavirus (Covid-19) in the
first week of April,
media regulator Ofcom
has found.
Ofcom is conducting
weekly research to help
understand how people
are receiving and acting
on information during
the current pandemic.
Its first results
from week one of the
‘lockdown’ show that the
most common piece of
false information around
coronavirus is the claim
food and drink’ (seen by 24% of adults online).
Almost all online adults (99%) are getting
news and information about coronavirus at
Among people
that drinking more
least once a day, while one in four
water can flush out the
(24%) are doing so 20 or more times
who have been
infection (seen by 35%
each day. But conversely, more than
exposed to
of online adults). That is
one in five (22%) said they are trying
falsehoods about to avoid news about the pandemic.
followed by claims that
the virus, two
it can be alleviated by
People are most likely to turn
thirds (66%) are
gargling with saltwater,
to the BBC’s TV, radio and online
or avoiding cold food and seeing it every
services for the latest news on
drink – both pieces of
the pandemic (82%), followed
day.
misinformation seen by
by other broadcasters (56%);
nearly a quarter (24%) of
official sources such as the World
online adults.
Health Organisation (WHO), NHS and the
Among people who have been exposed to
Government (52%); social media (49%);
falsehoods about the virus, two thirds (66%) are
newspapers (43%); and family and friends
seeing it every day. Ofcom’s research also shows
(42%). Only 15% used closed messaging
that:
groups to get information, such as WhatsApp
Most people (55%) are ignoring false claims
and Facebook Messenger.
about coronavirus. Fifteen per cent are using
People are relying heavily on broadcast
fact-checking tips from the media, such as the
television to keep up-to-date with news
BBC’s website, while a similar proportion (13%)
about coronavirus. Average daily news
are double-checking with friends and family.
viewing across all channels was up by 92% in
One in 14 people are forwarding on false or
March 2020 compared to March 2019. Both
misleading information about the virus.
BBC News and Sky News have also seen their
Many people (40%) are finding it hard to
viewing more than double year-on-year. The
know what is true or false about the virus.
Prime Minister’s Statement, which aired on
This rises to more than half (52%) of 18-24
March 23rd, is the most-watched programme
year-olds.
of 2020 so far; an average of 28m viewers
Younger people are following official advice
tuned in across the six channels it was shown
less closely. Virtually all people who took part
on.
in the survey said they are closely following
Public officials are the most trusted
the official advice to practice social distancing
sources of news about coronavirus. Of those
(98%); only go outside for essential reasons
that use them, at least nine in 10 people trust
(97%); and wash their hands regularly (96%).
However, only 65% of people said they were
following handwashing advice very closely, and
this falls to 43% among 18-24s.
Some common false claims about the
coronavirus include ‘Drinking more water can
flush out the infection’ (seen by 35% of adults
online) and ‘It can be treated by avoiding cold
information provided by the NHS (95%), the
WHO (94%), their local health services (91%)
official scientists (90%), and the Government
(89%).
Traditional broadcasters are also highly
trusted: 83% of people trust coverage
on BBC TV and Channel 4, followed by
ITV (82%) and Sky (75%). Social media
and closed messaging groups were the
least trusted sources of news about the
pandemic (21% and 26% respectively).
“People are turning to public authorities and
traditional broadcasters for trusted information
about Covid-19, and the vast majority say they’re
closely following official advice,” noted Yih-
Choung Teh, Ofcom’s group director for strategy
and research. “With so much false information
circulating online, it’s never
been more important that
people can cut through the
confusion and find accurate,
trustworthy and credible
sources of news and advice.”
In mid-April, Ofcom
looked into complaints about
a prominent ITV broadcaster
not dismissing claims about
5G and the spread of Covid-19,
claims that have lead to some
telecoms towers in the UK
being vandalised.
Ofcom probes Covid-19
fake news including 5G
European commercial
TV ‘May Day’
The Association of Commercial Television
in Europe (ACT) says the Covid-19 crisis
has once again demonstrated the clear
need for regulation of the Internet
where disinformation, conspiracy
and fear campaigns have flourished,
threatening to drown out quality news
and information.
It notes that while TV viewership
is experiencing a significant increase
as viewers turn to trusted media and
entertainment, free-to-air and pay-TV
players are facing a dramatic drop in
advertising revenues and/or major
disruptions in their programming due to
the lack of availability of live sports events
and delays in delivery of new content.
“In the short term, ACT calls on the
European Commission to demonstrate
flexibility in the application of state aid
rules; in particular recognising the need
for Member States to help their own
national broadcasters withstand a major
drop in revenue,” it said in a statement.
Such measures should include tax credits
for advertising investments, a direct
stimulus to the entire economy via the
promotion of products and services
during the recovery.
“ACT stands ready to work with
European policy-makers and regulators
to ensure we adequately assess and
respond to the immediate and long-
term challenges thereby ensuring the
sustainability of this vital national and
international resource,” it concludes.
EUROMEDIA 3