Online, offline, or word-of-mouth? Complementary media usage patterns and credibility perceptions of nuclear energy information in Southeast Asia

•Focus group discussions were conducted with the general public in Southeast Asia.•People used different communication channels complementarily to seek information.•The preferred communication channel and frequency of use differed across countries.•Source credibility was evaluated in terms of trustworthiness and expertise.•Media credibility was judged in terms of the accuracy and fairness of information provided.