The Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2020 tells of rising concern about misinformation online and on social media, with most people holding local politicians responsible, rather than activists, journalists or foreign governments.

But across countries, the survey data shows most people (52 per cent) agree that news media should report these politicians' statements prominently because "it is important for the public to know what the politician said", rather than not highlight the politician's statement (29 per cent) .

The report, which also sought to highlight the impact of Covid-19 on the print media and advertising, indicates the pandemic has made them focus on strategies for subscription, membership and donations, adding that there had been a significant increase in payment for online news.

"We see clear evidence that distinct, premium news publishers are able to convince a growing number of people to pay for quality news online.

In such a competitive market, only truly outstanding journalism can convince people to pay," says The report's co-editor, Rasmus Kleis Nielsen, says there is evident that distinct premium news publishers can convince a growing number of people to pay for quality onine news.