News
According to Readly, Britain’s most talked about news moments of 2024 included the US and UK elections, Taylor Swift’s epic live shows and the Oasis reunion.
Chris Couchman: “Another year coming to an end and what a year it’s been. The highs and lows of 2024 have given us so much to reflect on, from unexpected triumphs to shocking controversies.”
Photograph: Supplied by Readly.
Readly says a poll of 2,000 adults revealed the topics likely to come up
around the Christmas dinner table this year which include teen Luke
Littler’s darts win and blind comedian Chris McCausland storming the
dancefloor on Strictly Come Dancing.
The moment Donald Trump was shot in the ear, the popularity of Baby Reindeer
on Netflix and the disastrous Willy Wonka experience were also among the top
25 list, added Readly.
It emerged that 19 percent admit discussions or arguments regularly occur in
the family during the Christmas dinner, with 15 percent admitting some
topics are strictly ‘off-limits’.
Chris Couchman, head of content at Readly digital magazine and newspaper app
which commissioned the research, said: “Another year coming to an end and
what a year it’s been. The highs and lows of 2024 have given us so much to
reflect on, from unexpected triumphs to shocking controversies.
“As families gather this Christmas, it’s inevitable that these defining
moments will spark passionate debates and laughter alike. It’s a reminder of
how the events of a single year can bring people together, even in
disagreement.”
Readly says the study also found politics (31 percent), family matters (25
percent) and religion (15 percent) are the topics most likely to lead to
arguments during the Christmas holidays. Finances (15 percent) and
relationships (11 percent) also ranked highly.
But whilst 26 per cent try to calm the situation, 24 per cent attempt to
change the subject to avoid festive disagreements.
It also emerged 27 per cent can’t quite believe some of the things that have
happened this year, with the death of One Direction star Liam Payne, in
Argentina, the most shocking for 37 per cent.
A fifth have shared a major event or cultural phenomenon on social media
this year. While 24 per cent claim an event has caused them to stop what
they’re doing and message someone to talk to them about it.
Two thirds (65 percent) like to keep up to date with current events, with
sports the most popular news topic for 35 percent. Others in the poll , via
OnePoll for Readly, enjoy reading or hearing about politics (31 percent),
entertainment (26 percent), travel (21 percent) and health (21 percent).
News broadcasts on TV were found to be the place that 52 percent go to get
their news and information from. Whilst 51 percent get their news from
digital magazines and newspapers, 38 percent tune into the radio and 29 per
cent simply rely on word of mouth.
Chris Couchman from Readly added: “As we close the chapter on 2024, the
power of storytelling, whether shocking, inspiring, or divisive and the need
for news from trusted, verified sources, has never been more evident.
“In an age where information travels faster than ever, it’s the things we
read about and these shared experiences that keep us connected and curious
with the world around us and sparks good conversation this Christmas time
and beyond.”
Readly reveals the biggest talking points of 2024 are as follows:
- Donald Trump winning the US election
- Labour win the UK General Election
- Donald Trump being shot
- Liam Payne dies in Argentina
- Oasis reform and tickets become gold dust
- Swiftie Fever as Taylor Swift’s tour sweeps the UK
- First blind contestant on Strictly
- Luke Littler reaching the PDC darts final
- Popularity of Baby Reindeer on Netflix
- Nigel Farage being hit with milkshake
- Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck split
- The disastrous ‘Willy Wonka experience’
- Rachael Gunn the Australian scores zero in the breakdancing at the Olympics
- A pole vaulter fails because his willy was too big
- Snoop Dogg appears the Olympics
- Banksy’s provocative art
- Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury split
- Australian breakdancer Raygun
- The rioter hit in the balls with a brick
- The mysterious disappearance of wasps
- ‘Brat Summer’
- Winner of ‘World’s Ugliest Dog’ contest announced
- Ryan Gosling dresses as Beavis and Butthead
- Tortoise causes train delay
- Adult only crisps released
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