SensingSG's Q32024 Media Monitor delves into a revealing split in Singapore’s news consumption, with generational preferences shaping what stories capture attention. Our latest analysis shows that younger Singaporeans under 35 are selective in their engagement, focusing primarily on global or high-visibility events, while the older demographic maintains a strong interest in both local and international affairs. Despite a wave of recent scandals, including the Iswaran corruption trial, the generational gap is clear: younger audiences are less captivated by political drama, while those above 50 demonstrate a broader, more comprehensive view of current events, reflecting a focus on both national and regional stability.

SensingSG is back with its Q32024 data wave, having conducted fieldwork in the final week of September, and we find that the optimistic vibes we saw in Q2 have continued unabated, especially in relation to economic sentiment. Elsewhere, we see the Good Governance Meter stay steady overall, albeit with some shifts on individual issues, while our Media Monitor surprisingly finds that the trial and imprisonment of a former Cabinet Minister raised barely a shrug.

To understand how Singaporeans are engaging with news today, our latest SensingSG study analyzed data from over 5,000 respondents across four quarters. This article explores the shifting landscape of news consumption, highlighting the growing preference for social media among younger generations, the decline of traditional news outlets, and the rise of platforms like Instagram and YouTube. We also examine the challenges this trend poses for journalism, particularly the risks associated with user-generated content and the importance of maintaining accuracy and trust in an evolving media ecosystem.