(Un)believable: the perceived credibility of Covid-19 information in Austria

Abstract

In our mediatized society, it is essential in times of crisis that the media provide credible information to serve their information function successfully. At least equally important is which information is perceived as credible by the recipients. After all, the media are responsible for shaping the discourse on the crisis. Using data from the "Covid-19 Crisis" study conducted by the Gallup Institute and Medienhaus Wien, this article examines the perceived credibility of media-mediated Corona information in Austria. People who consult the respective media for Corona information were asked about the credibility of the coverage. ORF and Servus TV seem to be regarded as particularly credible among their users in the overall population. However, there are differences, e.g., between age groups. Young people find ORF more credible than Servus TV. The tabloid press, with its vast reach typical of Austria, and social media do not seem to be viewed as credible sources of information on Covid-19. Young Austrians are even more sceptical of these two types of media. However, the tabloid newspaper Kronen Zeitung is perceived as the most credible tabloid newspaper compared to its competitors. Facebook is the most frequently used social media platform for Corona info but seems to be the least credible source compared to Instagram and YouTube. Respondents' attitudes toward conspiracy theories and allegations of corruption are also likely to influence the perceived credibility of Covid-19 information.