Real-time media monitoring provider Streem has released its list of the biggest stories of 2024, analysing what a year it has been in news media.
The US Presidential Election was the most covered event in the top spot, mentioned 996,659 times. Australian outlets closely tracked the high-stakes race, from the drama of the primaries to the pivotal Presidential debates. The assassination attempt on then-candidate Donald Trump captured global attention, as did Joe Biden’s decision to bow out of the race, endorsing Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. This mix of political intrigue and unprecedented events kept the election firmly in the spotlight.
Following closely was the regional conflict in the Middle East, which amassed 766,943 mentions. Coverage was heavily focused on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and broader narratives around the Arab–Israeli conflict. The escalating violence and its far-reaching implications remained a key focus for Australian media throughout the year, reflecting the ongoing global significance of the situation.
All data provided measures the total volume of mentions across Australian Print, Online, TV, Radio, Magazine & Podcast from 1st January 2024 to 30th November 2024.
The 2024 Paris Olympics provided a rare moment of unity and celebration, generating 197,380 mentions. Coverage spanned the trials earlier in the year, but the games themselves in July and August dominated the conversation, with 161,611 mentions during that period alone. Australia’s athletic triumphs and the broader spectacle of the games offered a welcome distraction from heavier news topics.
Economic concerns also made their mark, with interest rates and inflation coming in as the fourth most-covered issue, mentioned 173,363 times. The Reserve Bank of Australia’s interest rate decisions, alongside rising inflation, were regular points of analysis and criticism. Each rate announcement prompted widespread discussion, highlighting the pervasive anxiety over the cost of living.
Meanwhile, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War continued to capture media attention, with 161,244 mentions. Australian coverage focused not only on updates from the battlefield but also on the Albanese Government’s record $250 million military aid package, sparking a national debate about Australia’s role in the conflict.
Domestically, the Federal Budget and accompanying tax cuts were another major focus, mentioned 141,272 times. Coverage peaked in May, with the budget announcement dominating the news for consecutive weeks. These discussions often intertwined with broader economic narratives, reflecting their centrality to Australian political life.
Next, the disappearance of Samantha Murphy resonated deeply with audiences, generating 108,076 mentions. Media coverage chronicled the investigation and eventual trial, drawing widespread public interest. Similarly, Julian Assange’s return to Australia after years of legal battles became a significant story, with 106,579 mentions. His homecoming on June 26 marked a peak in coverage, as it reignited debates over press freedom and justice.
The tragic murders of Luke Davies and Jesse Baird in February also gripped the nation, with 87,815 mentions, most of which occurred in the two weeks following the incident. The shock and sadness surrounding the case highlighted the public’s sensitivity to such crimes.
Rounding out the most-covered topics was the renewed debate over nuclear power in Australia. Sparked by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s controversial policy announcement in June, the topic generated 68,386 mentions, with intense focus during a two-day period when it was discussed over 8,000 times per day.
“International geo-political issues dominated the news agenda this year, with the US Presidential election, continued conflict in the Middle East and the war between Russia and Ukraine all featuring in the top 5 most covered of the year,” Lauren Jefferies, head of insights at Streem, told Mediaweek.
See the top 10 most prolific CMO’s for 2024 here.