Whether a student studying history and international relations or a business professional seeking global economic insights, English-language international news is a staple for their day-to-day life. They use laptops to keep on top of news and watch content at a time that suits them, with content available wherever they are. As a result, they are less concerned with platforms and more with the news itself.

Different theoretical perspectives, such as media dependency theory, underscore the importance of international news and how it shapes people’s understandings of the world around them. This is particularly true for migrant communities, which tend to rely on mediated accounts of foreign countries and regions because they rarely have direct contact with the places where these events and developments occur.

For this reason, it is important to understand the motivations and behaviours of those who consume international news. Qualitative research and in-depth discussions with consumers across markets have highlighted consistent themes regarding what they seek from English-language international news brands. These include accessibility, impartiality, relevance and inspiration.

For many consumers, the most compelling international news stories come from those that are closest to home, focusing on the impact of an event or situation in their own country or region. This reflects a desire to engage with issues that matter and that have the potential to be impactful in their lives. It is also an acknowledgment that the most powerful international news stories are often those with a sense of urgency and a clear call to action.