6 of 10 business leaders consume more news because of pandemic

77% believe that COVID-19 can affect their businesses.

Six out of 10 Singaporean business leaders or 59% consume more news as a result of the pandemic, a survey released by BBC revealed.

250 respondents made up of senior Singapore-based business leaders took part in the study conducted by BBC Global News. 

58% access news through online channels. 77% have also understood how COVID-19 can affect their business, to the extent that 63% of leaders are now more likely to use global news as a basis for their decisions. 

The survey also stated that 70% of respondents are now more concerned about misinformation than before the pandemic. 59% believe that misinformation would directly affect their business. 71% see trustworthiness as one of the factors they look for in news sources with objectivity, global perspective, and impartiality at 55%, 54%, and 48%, respectively. 

John Williams, vice president, Singapore and Southeast Asia, BBC Global News, APAC, highlighted the caution of these business leaders. 

“Given both the pandemic’s impact on Singapore and the government’s ongoing efforts to crack down on fake news, it is clear that local business leaders are more cautious than ever before about the source of their news and its potential impact. Following a period of looking inward and protecting their business interests, as Singapore dealt with the initial stages of COVID-19, Singapore’s business leaders are now focusing on trustworthy and objective global news sources that will drive their future success.”