Oh Dear! Trust In Australia’s “Institutions” (Particularly Media) Plummets!
It probably comes as no surprise, but a new study has found Aussies increasingly distrust our key institutions including government, business, media and not-for-profit organisations.
The study, by PR firm Edelman, and titled the 2018 Trust Barometer, found all four institutions are now distrusted, and Australia’s overall Trust Index score is now just four percentage points higher than last-placed Russia.
Australians’ trust in their media is now the second-lowest in the world, behind only Turkey, at 31 per cent, however traditional media and journalists saw double-digit increases in trust, as Australians concerned about fake news return to more credible sources of information.
Media, despite recording another overall decline and sitting at just 31 per cent, saw a divergence in trust over the past year, with trust in traditional media rebounding from 46 per cent to 61 per cent, and credibility of journalists rising from 17 per cent to 28 per cent. Conversely, trust in social media fell to just 23 per cent, and trust in search engines dropped by 11 percentage points to 47 per cent.
In addition to having among the least trusted institutions in the world, a majority (56 per cent) of Australians describe the government as “broken”, with 65 per cent instead now looking to CEOs to take the lead on driving change.
The Trust Barometer, a global survey of people across 28 countries, revealed Australia’s overall Trust Index score is now in the bottom third globally, while together with Singapore, Australia is one of just two nations to register consecutive declines across all four key institutions. Trust in government declined from 37 to 35 per cent, business from 48 to 45 per cent, media from 32 to 31 per cent, and NGOs from 52 to 48 per cent.
Steve Spurr, CEO of Edelman Australia, said: “The decreasing Trust in government is a result of another unsettled year for Australian politics. Government uncertainty over energy supply, citizenship and the royal banking commission, in addition to continued infighting across the political spectrum has resulted in a nation that unfortunately, largely does not trust its government.
“It is deeply troubling that a majority of Australians believe their government is broken, however there is also an opportunity for businesses to stand up for the public on issues they believe are not being addressed.
“Corporate Australia’s strong and unified support for the marriage equality campaign demonstrated the institution’s ability to be a driver of societal change, and may have raised public expectations for future advocacy.”
When it came to media, Spurr noted: “The Trust Barometer found 65 per cent of Australians are no longer sure of what is true, and in an ultra-low trust environment where people are unsure of what to believe, traditional media organisations and journalists are enjoying a resurgence in credibility.”
Latest News
From [MediaCom] Russia With Love! Meet New Aussie CEO Yaron Farizon
MediaCom’s recent hunt for a new CEO went global, ultimately delivering the globetrotting Yaron Farizon to its North Sydney headquarters. And Farizon certainly comes with the right pedigree. Born in Kiev in the Ukraine, educated in Israel, he worked for P&G as a business director for eight years through the UK and Eastern Europe before […]
Aussies Want Ads On Netflix (If It Saves Them Some Money)
Let's face it, when you're six hours into a Netflix binge and too lazy to press pause, an ad wouldn't be so bad.
The Wall Street Journal | Barron’s Group Appoints WeThinkMedia As Exclusive Advertising Representative In Australia/New Zealand
With Sky News's ban from YouTube and Alan Jones booted off the Tele, there's a real opportunity for global publications.
Twitter Partners With The Associated Press And Reuters To Fight Misinformation
B&T remains completely impervious to the threat of misinformation, although did you hear they saw Tupac alive in Cuba?
Shopper Promotes Within Its NSW Sales Team
Shopper has promoted Samantha Barron to Group Sales Manager and Jessica White to Business Manager in Sydney to strengthen agency partnerships and continue providing best-in-market sales support to Shopper’s NSW agency clients.
Telstra Announces Payphones Will Now Be Free
Not since Dr Who learned he could time travel has there been this much excitement about the humble payphone.
The Moonman Teams Up With Author Matthew Hardy For ‘Saturday Afternoon Fever’ LiSTNR Podcast
The Moonman, of course, is a radio personality. Although he could easily be mistaken for a serial bottom flasher.
Billie Eilish Lends New Song To Dodge’s “Power Uncaged” Campaign
If it's got wonderkid Billie Eilish in it, it has to be great. Although, admittedly, this errs a tad on the shit side.
LG Kicks Off “Life’s Good” Campaign In Australia With Musician Stan Walker
This campaign sort of works like a karaoke competition, just sans the drunkenness at 3am and abysmal Céline renditions.
Majella Pinnuck Returns To Anna Whitlam People As Senior Associate, Executive Search, Corporate Affairs & Communications
To mark Majella Pinnuck’s return, AWP spoke to her about why she has come back, the hybrid that skills that today’s large organisations need in their corporate affairs and communications professionals, and the challenge of finding candidates with the right skillset. Pinnuck (pictured) started at AWP after she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Law […]
B&T’s Tokyo Olympics Wrap: Sexism, Cockiness & Hot Athletes
Why read The Daily Mail or News.com.au for your daily Olympic stuff-ups, when B&T's cut & pasted the best of it here.
Shutterstock Announces Formation Of Shutterstock.AI
Shutterstock.AI yet to announce the employment of any actual droids, although it does have adjustable light settings.
Initiative Crowned Top Performing Media Agency For June’s Record Month
Initiative's glass recycling bin lid requiring an extra tender push this month following celebrations over this win.
Thinkerbell Retains Top Spot For New Wins For June, As Clems Has An Absolute Flyer
Gold for Thinkerbell, silver for Clems & bronze for Special Group in R3 rankings. And a bag of Allen's teeth for fourth.
This New Apple Watch Ad Will Make You Want To Start That Health Kick
Packed on so much weight in lockdown you fear getting door-knocked by A Current Affair? Could this expensive watch help?
Don’t Miss Out! Register Now For B&T’s Changing The Ratio Webinar
Changing The Ratio is one webinar you DO NOT want to miss! Larry Emdur's Yodelling Masterclass arguably another one.
“If It Has A Point Of Difference, We’re Winning”: 10’s Chief Sales Officer Rod Prosser On The Network’s Future
B&T chats with 10's chief sales officer, Rod Prosser. We stopped short of asking him his favourite Olympic sport on TV.
Monday TV Wrap: Olympics Sees 500,000 Fall From Sunday, But Still Easily Nabs Top Spot
You'd have to say Seven's Olympic TV numbers are on steroids! Despite that being a rather unfortunate analogy.
Lion And Cricket Australia Call Last Drinks
Cricketers no longer pouring a sponsor's beer over one other after a win. Hoping Taubmans Paints isn't the new sponsor.
The MFA Launches A Diversity, Equity And Inclusion Advisory Council
The Media Federation of Australia (MFA) has launched a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council, consisting of 13 media agency professionals from diverse backgrounds, with the aim of providing guidance to the industry across all facets of diversity and inclusion. The MFA DE&I Advisory Council will promote the MFA’s ambition to build a diverse, equitable […]
Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty Is The Most Profitable Celebrity Beauty Brand
Further evidence there's more cash to be had flogging cheap lipstick than singing or acting comes this influencer list.
Gus Worland’s Gotcha4Life Launches “Mind Your Mate Pledge” Via Initiative Studio
Here's a top suicide prevention campaign B&T's more than happy to give some air to. And we can be precious with our air.
Theory Crew Snares Four New Clients
One month into the new financial year, Melbourne-based agency Theory Crew has won four new clients across the beauty and FMCG divisions. New clients include the gourmet fruit spread range from France St. Dalfour; organic tea range Higher Living, new to market Australian baby skincare range from Biophysics Group Avo Baby, and soon to be […]
SMI Data: June Delivers The Largest Ad Spend Ever In Aussie Adland History
Work at a media agency? Nervous about asking for a pay rise? Strut to the boss' office like a peacock on these numbers.
SCA Appoints 2020 Brian White Scholarship Winner As Part Of Regional Investments
SCA has appointed Commercial Radio Australia Brian White Scholarship winner Zac De Silva (pictured) to its Albury newsroom as it invests in new talent for regional radio newsrooms nationwide. De Silva received the prestigious Brian White Scholarship in 2020 and completed a paid internship at SCA as part of the award. He is just one […]
Spinach Appointed By Property Developer Beulah
Spinach has been appointed to manage the media strategy, buying and data capabilities for Australian property developer Beulah. The Melbourne-based developer has several projects in the works including STH BNK by Beulah, one of the most ambitious developments to be undertaken in Australia. With backing from the City of Melbourne’s Future Melbourne Committee, the $2 […]
Google Tells Marketers To “Rethink The Line” In Campaign Via The Hallway
Google ads are much like alcohol or toilet paper ads - we're going to use it regardless of the marketing spend.
Digitas APAC Appoints Adrian Farouk To CEO
Digitas, the Connected Marketing Agency, part of Publicis Groupe, has announced the promotion of Adrian Farouk as CEO of Digitas APAC. Farouk (pictured above) is currently CEO of Digitas & Epsilon ANZ, he will take on the new role with immediate effect whilst continuing his leadership at Epsilon, the group’s data and tech platform business […]
Adland Sexism: Where Are All The Male Voices?
Here's a top take on sexism in Australia's ad industry. It's that good, it can even translate to any industry you like.
Magnite Confirms Australian Leadership Team
Magnite (Nasdaq: MGNI), the world’s largest independent sell-side advertising platform, today announced that James Young will remain as Managing Director of Australia for Magnite following the acquisition of SpotX.
