The biggest talking points of 2024 revealed
Britain's most talked about news moments of 2024 were the US and UK elections, Taylor Swift’s epic live shows and the Oasis reunion.
A poll of 2,000 adults revealed the topics most 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.
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’.
How well read are you this year? Test your knowledge in the quiz to find out how much attention you were paying in 2024, including memorable Olympic moments, biggest break ups and rock band comebacks.
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.”
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 percent try to calm the situation, 24 percent attempt to change the subject to avoid festive disagreements.
It also emerged 27 percent 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 percent.
A fifth have shared a major event or cultural phenomenon on social media this year. While 24 percent 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, a magazine app with over 7,500 titles, 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 that keep us connected and curious with the world around us and sparks good conversation this Christmas time and beyond.”
BIGGEST TALKING POINTS OF 2024:
- 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
Visit www.readly.com for more information.
-ENDS-
For more details contact: kate.tegelaars@readly.com or 07879 818 711
Research: The survey was carried out during the period from 26 November - 28 November 2024 via the Internet, on the basis of the OnePoll Panel, based on a sample of 2000 UK adults.
About Readly
Readly is a European category leader for digital magazines. The company offers a digital subscription service where customers have unlimited access to 7,500 national and international magazines and newspapers - all in one app and at a fixed monthly fee. Readly has subscribers in 50 countries and content available in 17 different languages. In collaboration with around 1,000 publishers worldwide, Readly is digitising the newspaper and magazine industry. In 2023, revenues amounted to SEK 663 million. The Readly share is listed on Nasdaq First North Growth Market. For more information, please visit https://corporate.readly.com.
