Cyprus: EΣΚ Survey on How Cypriots Get Their News

A survey by the Cyprus Journalists' Union (EΣΚ) reveals the preferences of Cypriots in accessing information. The survey, conducted by Cypronetwork in July with a sample of 1000 people, was presented today.

Social Media (ΜΚΔ) and television are the main sources of information with 72%, followed by online portals (45%) and radio (43%). The local print media accounts for 15%, the Greek press 10%, and the foreign press 9%.

The survey also examined the evaluation of the media, with television and radio showing the best image (41% and 39% positive image respectively). Social media recorded 32%, while the print media 27% and online portals 28%.

Regarding the penetration of fake news, 21% of respondents answered "very much" and 23% "much". Fake news is mainly found on social media and online portals.

When asked about the upcoming parliamentary elections, 45% said they would get information from television, 21% from social media, and 12% from online portals.

An internal survey by the EΣΚ showed that 7 out of 10 journalists had a better impression of the profession before working in it. The main problems they identify are understaffing, the viability of the media, and freedom of expression.

Savvas Kounnos, Director of Corporate Affairs at the Bank of Cyprus, stressed the importance of journalism for the Cypriot economy.