“Disengaged? Why People Are Turning Away from News Consumption” is a new research report analyzing information-seeking behaviors and why audiences are distancing themselves from traditional news formats. Sponsored by ANID’s Fund for Studies on Information Pluralism, the study was led by Usach scholars Ximena Orchard and Alejandra Phillippi, in collaboration with Constanza Gajardo (University of Concepción) and Mario Fergnani (Alberto Hurtado University).
The study analyzes the specific patterns, mechanisms, and profiles of news disengagement in Chile using a quantitative survey of 400 participants. To provide deeper qualitative context, researchers supplemented the data with 49 in-depth interviews with residents across the Metropolitan Region and the Biobío Region.
“We focused specifically on these demographics to uncover the underlying drivers behind the decline in news consumption across traditional media, such as television newscasts and news websites," explains Usach journalism professor Ximena Orchard, the lead researcher of the study. "By analyzing these groups, we can better understand the shifting relationship citizens have with modern journalism today.”
The study’s findings reveal that news avoidance in Chile does not stem from a lack of interest in public affairs. Instead, distancing from the media reflects personalized strategies for time management and coping with the negative emotional burden of news consumption. Furthermore, the data highlights a growing audience demand for media pluralism, specifically calling for journalism that is more diverse in both form and substance.
“Our participants identified several critical media needs, including a strong desire for greater diversity in news coverage to replace content perceived as repetitive," emphasizes Usach researcher and study co-author Alejandra Phillippi. "There is also a clear demand for innovative digital formats, especially as audiences increasingly rely on social media news consumption and no longer dedicate structured, specific times to traditional news broadcasts.”
The research report analyzes the nuances of audience behavior by mapping distinct types of news disengagement, including low media consumption, active news avoidance, and long-term audience decline. By examining the root causes of these behaviors alongside participant information needs, the study establishes actionable industry guidelines. As Usach lead researcher Ximena Orchard notes: “To address this shift, we need greater media pluralism and, above all, strategic public and private sector funding to support serious journalism projects that dare to innovate.”