The year 2026 marked a pivotal moment in the global media landscape, as news consumers began to favor social media and online video platforms over traditional news sources. According to a comprehensive report released by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, social media and video platforms accounted for 54 percent of news consumption worldwide, surpassing television, newspapers, and radio. This figure climbed to 56 percent when AI chatbots like ChatGPT were included, highlighting the growing role of artificial intelligence in shaping how people access and consume news. The report, based on data collected from nearly 100,000 participants across 48 countries, underscored a fundamental shift in consumer behavior and raised concerns about the sustainability of traditional media businesses.
The report, titled *Digital News Report 2026*, revealed that younger demographics, particularly those aged between 18 and 24, were even more reliant on digital platforms. Among this group, 50 percent cited social media or video platforms as their primary source of news, compared to just 30 percent of the overall population. The study also highlighted differences in user behavior across platforms. While many individuals actively sought news on platforms like YouTube or X (formerly Twitter), others encountered news incidentally while using social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Television remained the dominant news source for older audiences, with 45-54-year-olds and those over 55 still relying heavily on broadcast and cable news.
Despite these shifts, traditional media did not disappear entirely. In several European countries, including Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands, television continued to hold a slight edge over digital platforms. However, the report emphasized that this was an exception rather than the rule. Across the globe, the decline of traditional media was evident, with fewer people trusting news organizations and less interest in consuming news from print or broadcast sources. Trust in news fell to its lowest level since 2015, reaching 37 percent globally, with significant drops observed in numerous countries. In the United States, only one-quarter of respondents expressed confidence in the reliability of news, reflecting broader skepticism toward mainstream media.
The rise of digital platforms came alongside a surge in the use of AI-driven tools. Nearly 10 percent of respondents reported using chatbots for news on a weekly basis, a notable increase from previous years. These tools, often powered by generative AI, allowed users to ask questions and receive tailored responses, making them appealing to tech-savvy audiences. However, the report warned that the integration of AI into journalism posed a major challenge for media leaders and policymakers, requiring careful regulation and ethical considerations. The proliferation of AI-generated content also raised concerns about misinformation and the erosion of journalistic standards.
Traditional media faced additional pressures, including shrinking revenues and declining ad revenue. Only 17 percent of respondents indicated they paid for news online, indicating that most relied on free content. Meanwhile, tech giants such as Google and Meta dominated the advertising market, capturing a substantial portion of the digital ad spend. This trend threatened the financial viability of traditional news organizations, many of which struggled to adapt to the changing digital ecosystem. The report noted that the decline in revenue was compounded by a lack of public support for paying for quality journalism, despite growing recognition of the importance of accurate and reliable news.
The report also examined the evolving role of independent content creators. A quarter of respondents turned to individual journalists and influencers for news, suggesting that the boundaries between professional and amateur journalism were blurring. While some users combined traditional media with independent content, few relied solely on non-traditional sources. The report acknowledged that this diversification could offer opportunities for innovation but also warned of the risks associated with fragmented information ecosystems and reduced accountability.
In Spain, the report highlighted a dramatic shift in news consumption habits. Instagram emerged as the most popular platform for accessing news, with 32 percent of respondents citing it as their preferred source. Facebook followed closely behind with 31 percent, and WhatsApp also gained traction, with 29 percent of users relying on the messaging app for news updates. TikTok, although still relatively small in comparison, showed strong growth, with 16 percent of global users accessing news through the platform. These figures reflected a broader pattern of migration from traditional media to digital-first platforms, driven by convenience, accessibility, and personalized content delivery.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, the report called for greater investment in digital infrastructure, improved transparency in news production, and stronger regulatory frameworks to address emerging challenges. It also urged media organizations to rethink their business models and embrace technological advancements without compromising the integrity of their reporting. With the global news environment becoming increasingly polarized and volatile, the report concluded that the future of journalism would depend on its ability to adapt to the demands of a rapidly changing digital world.
5 reports
Hurriyet Daily NewsParty-alignedCenterFactual 95Objective 9016 days agoA report by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism indicates that social media and online video platforms have surpassed traditional media as the primary sources of news globally, with 54% of respondents accessing news through these channels. The study, based on surveys of nearly 100,000 individuals across 48 countries, highlights a shift in media consumption habits, with traditional sources such as television news and newspapers trailing behind.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data from a reputable research institution without overtly biased language or selective emphasis. It reports on a trend in media consumption without taking a stance on the implications or value of traditional versus digital media.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 90): Highly factual with accurate representation of the Reuters Institute report, citing specific percentages and methodology. Slightly less objective due to phrases like 'old-style business models are under threat' which imply a negative view.
Japan TodayIndependentCenterFactual 94Objective 8918 days agoA report by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, affiliated with the University of Oxford, indicates that social media and video platforms have surpassed traditional media as the primary sources of news globally, with 54% of respondents accessing news through these platforms. The study, based on surveys of nearly 100,000 individuals across 48 countries, also noted that traditional media such as television news, newspapers, and radio remain significant but are seeing declining influence.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data from a reputable research institution without overtly biased language or selective emphasis. It reports on a study showing shifting media consumption habits without taking a stance on the implications or value judgments regarding traditional versus digital media.
Why these scores (Factual 94 · Objective 89): Very accurate with proper citation of the report and statistics. The tone is slightly biased towards the challenges faced by traditional media, though not overly so.
infoLibreIndependentCenterFactual 92Objective 8816 days agoThe article reports that social networks and video platforms have surpassed traditional media websites and apps as the primary source of news consumption globally, according to the 2026 Digital News Report by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism. The report highlights a growing 'platformization' trend in news consumption, with 54% of respondents using social media and video services compared to 51% using traditional media sites. Additionally, 10% of users now rely on AI chatbots for news, with higher adoption among those under 35. Video content consumed through non-media platforms
Bias read (Center): The article presents statistical findings from an academic study without overtly favoring any political perspective. It focuses on technological trends in news consumption rather than making value judgments or taking a stance on policy issues.
Why these scores (Factual 92 · Objective 88): Accurate with detailed statistics and mentions of AI chatbot usage. The tone remains mostly neutral but includes some descriptive language about TikTok and Instagram growth.
MladinaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 7518 days agoA survey reveals that public trust in news has reached a record low globally, with only 37% of people expressing confidence in news outlets. The research, conducted by the Reuters Institute, indicates that over half of respondents follow news through social media and video platforms, while nearly the same number still rely on traditional news websites and television. The study covered approximately 100,000 participants across 48 markets worldwide, including most European countries, but did not include Slovenia.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data from a global survey without taking a stance or using biased language. It reports findings objectively, citing the Reuters Institute and specific examples from various countries without emphasizing any particular political viewpoint.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 75): Contains some factual inaccuracies such as the exact percentage of trust in news and lacks specific citations. The tone is more emotionally charged with terms like 'rekordno nizko' and focuses heavily on declining trust.
N1 SlovenijaIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 7017 days agoA global survey reveals that public trust in news has reached a record low at 37 percent, according to a report by the Reuters Institute. The study, which included around 100,000 respondents across 48 markets worldwide, found that more than half of people now follow news through social media and video platforms. Trust in news has declined significantly in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, France, and Croatia. Slovenia was not included in the survey. The report highlights concerns such as anxiety, alienation, and cynicism among respondents regarding media's报道 on
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data from a global survey without overtly favoring any political side. It reports on declining public trust in news globally but does not take a stance on the causes or implications of this decline.
Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 70): Includes some factual inaccuracies and lacks specific references to the report. The tone is more emotive with phrases like 'rekordno nizko' and emphasizes declining trust more than the actual findings.
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