Observed Signal · Aug 28, 2026 · Study Presentation · Source: persoenlich.com News · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Contradiction in Social Media Use by Youth
A study presented at the Medientagung 'Assises presse et démocratie' in Geneva finds that young people in Romandie consume notable amounts of news on social media despite low trust in those channels. The MIS Trend survey of 782 people aged 15–40 found average daily news consumption of 48 minutes and daily/almost-daily social network use for information by 45% of respondents. Panelists Ladina Heimgartner (Ringier Medien Schweiz) and Pascal Crittin (RTS) criticised publishers' reliance on social platforms, noting high reach but limited monetisation and signalling SRG plans to restrict free access to content on third‑party platforms.
Regionally focused Swiss study with direct relevance to publisher social strategy and trust issues; useful for publishers and media planners but limited geographic and industry scope.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- A MIS Trend survey of 782 people aged 15–40 in Romandie was presented at the Medientagung 'Assises presse et démocratie'.
- Respondents spent an average of 48 minutes per day on news; ~30% spent 30–59 minutes and 28% at least one hour.
- 45% of respondents use social networks daily or almost daily for news; websites and printed/digital press were used by 24% and 23%, respectively.
- 78% of respondents said they trust social networks little or not at all, while radio and print each enjoyed 73% trust and television 69%.
- Ladina Heimgartner (CEO, Ringier Medien Schweiz) and Pascal Crittin (Director, RTS) criticised publishers' social media strategies; Crittin said SRG seeks to distance itself from third‑party platforms and will introduce a policy limiting free access.
Connected Companies & Entities
4 Entities mapped“The study results were discussed by Ladina Heimgartner, CEO of Ringier Medien Schweiz, and RTS director Pascal Crittin....”
“The study results were discussed by Ladina Heimgartner, CEO of Ringier Medien Schweiz, and RTS director Pascal Crittin....”
“Furthermore, SRG wants to distance itself from external platforms and is working on a policy in which not everything will remain freely acce...”
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A study by the University of Zurich's Research Center for Public and Society (Fög) reveals that a majority of the Swiss population supports public service media like SRG, but expectations for its online presence vary significantly by age. Among 18-24 year-olds, 69.9% want SRG to be present on social media, while only 23.8% of those over 55 do. The population generally values SRG's own channels, with 69.6% emphasizing TV presence and 47% mentioning websites/apps. The study is intended to inform the new SRG concession starting in 2029, where the federal government plans to focus online efforts on audio and video. The findings suggest that reducing presence on third-party platforms would particularly affect younger audiences, and the authors argue against blanket regulations for specific online formats.
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