The Memo Insights team is made up of data analysts responsible for digging into readership data for the latest news cycles, diving deeper into platform-wide readership trends (macro news trends), and answering some of our customers’ most pressing strategy questions.
Every quarter, we share some of our favorite findings, whether it be an interesting discovery or a fun topic. Here are our favorites from the last 3 months:
1. The Impact of Media Bias and Paywalls on 2024 Election Readership
Nikki: Accessibility is an important part of making sure voters are informed. Left-leaning outlets achieved the highest readership, even with significant paywalls, showing their strength in reaching dedicated audiences willing to pay for access. However, paywalls may restrict broader engagement by excluding lower-income readers from key election insights.
Key Takeaway: Non-leaning outlets without paywalls demonstrated broad appeal, attracting a wide range of readers due to their accessibility. To maximize voter engagement, campaigns should prioritize free platforms for widespread reach while leveraging paywalled outlets to connect with deeply committed audiences.
2. Local Outlets are Key for Disaster Relief
Eva: Local coverage about hurricanes & our client’s disaster relief efforts saw high readership, often surpassing local news outlet benchmarks. Local outlets were especially effective at driving readership in communities most affected by natural disasters.
Key Takeaway: Localized storytelling resonates deeply with communities and can boost engagement across broader audiences.
3. Attention Spans Are Short: Timing Is Everything
Eva: Timing is critical when it comes to major news stories. We found that over half of the total readership for major, unpredicted news events occurs within the first three days. By day seven, readership drops significantly.
Key Takeaway: If a brand has a statement to make, it’s crucial to speak out immediately. Delayed responses risk missing the peak readership window and losing impact in the conversation.
4. Insights on the Future of Work: Beyond RTO vs. Remote
Eva: In 2024, the Future of Work discussion centered heavily on the return-to-office (RTO) debate versus remote work. However, we found that readers were also interested in topics like generational shifts in the workplace and employee monitoring practices.
Key Takeaway: To stand out in the Future of Work conversation, brands can explore broader themes beyond RTO, including evolving workplace dynamics and the role of technology in employee oversight.
5. Early Promotions Are Essential During the Holiday Shopping Season
Nikki: While Cyber Week (Black Friday through Cyber Monday) remains the pinnacle of holiday shopping, our data revealed a significant build-up in readership throughout November. Consumers are engaging with early promotions and sneak peeks to plan their purchases.
Key Takeaway: Nearly 40% of total readership during this period occurred before Cyber Week, underscoring the importance of early promotional strategies. Brands that capitalize on this trend can capture interest before the competition heats up.
Stay tuned for more from the Insights Team in the next few weeks and for another rundown of our favorite findings at the end of the quarter! In the meantime, you can always find the latest research in our Resource Center.