Deutsch
English
Español
Français
Nederlands
Português
Platformisation of News Reaches Tipping Point
The 2026 Reuters Institute Digital News Report reveals a historic shift: for the first time, social media and video platforms (54%) have overtaken news websites and apps (51%) as the primary source of online news globally. Based on surveys of nearly 100,000 people across 48 countries, the report marks a definitive moment in the platformisation of journalism, with audiences increasingly relying on Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and X for their daily news fix.
According to the report, television now trails at 52%, while radio sits at 21%. Among 18-24-year-olds, half say social platforms are their main gateway to news. The shift underscores a structural change in how news is discovered, consumed, and trusted — with significant implications for publishers, advertisers, and democracy itself.
Trust Hits Record Low, News Avoidance Surges
Trust in news has fallen to an all-time low of 37%, down sharply in 29 of the 48 surveyed markets. Meanwhile, news avoidance has climbed to 42%, with one in four respondents describing themselves as passive or casual news users. Interest in news has dropped an average of 13 percentage points since 2021, from 63% to 50%.
“We are seeing a paradox: audiences are more connected than ever, yet more disengaged from traditional journalism,” said Mitali Mukherjee, Director of the Reuters Institute. “The challenge for newsrooms is not just to reach people, but to rebuild relevance and trust.”
The decline in news trust is particularly acute in countries with high political polarisation, such as the United States, France, and Brazil. In many markets, public service broadcasters remain the most trusted brands, but their advantage is eroding.
AI Chatbots Enter the News Ecosystem
For the first time, the report tracks meaningful adoption of AI chatbots for news. Weekly usage rose from 7% in 2025 to 10% in 2026, and to 16% among under-35s. The most popular feature is the ability to ask follow-up questions, suggesting users value conversational interfaces over static articles.
However, only 4% of AI users regularly click through to original sources, raising alarm about traffic loss and revenue for publishers. The impact of AI on journalism revenue is a growing concern, as platforms and chatbots capture attention that once went directly to news websites.
“AI is not yet replacing journalism, but it is intermediating it,” noted Dr. Nic Newman, lead author of the report. “Publishers need to consider how their content appears in AI-generated answers, or risk losing direct relationships with their audiences.”
Video Dominance and the Rise of Creators
Online news video consumption has reached 77% weekly across all markets, surpassing broadcast TV news in 45 countries. Short-form video, particularly on TikTok and Instagram Reels, is the fastest-growing format. About 27% of respondents now get news from individual creators or influencers — a cohort seen as more entertaining and relatable than traditional outlets, though less trustworthy.
This shift is reshaping journalism formats. Many legacy outlets are investing in vertical video, YouTube series, and creator partnerships. The rise of news influencers and creators is blurring the line between journalism and entertainment, forcing a redefinition of professional standards.
Implications for Publishers and Democracy
The report warns that the dominance of tech giants — Google, Meta, TikTok, and X — poses existential threats to traditional media business models. Advertising revenue continues to shift to platforms, while subscription growth has stalled: only 17% of respondents pay for online news, a figure unchanged from 2025.
Public service broadcasting retains strong support, with 37% positive sentiment across 26 European countries, but concerns about political interference are growing. The IFJ has called for stronger regulation of platforms and AI, as well as greater investment in independent journalism.
“This is a watershed moment,” said Anthony Bellanger, IFJ General Secretary. “If journalism is to survive as a public good, we need structural reforms that ensure fair compensation, protect journalists from harassment, and guarantee editorial independence in the age of platforms.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Reuters Institute Digital News Report?
It is the world's most comprehensive study of news consumption, produced annually by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford. The 2026 edition surveyed nearly 100,000 people across 48 countries.
Why did social media overtake news websites?
Audiences increasingly prefer convenience, personalisation, and video content. Platforms like TikTok and YouTube offer algorithm-driven feeds that surface news alongside entertainment, making discovery effortless. News websites require deliberate visits, which fewer users are making.
How are AI chatbots affecting news consumption?
AI chatbots are used by 10% of respondents weekly for news, mainly for summaries and follow-up questions. However, only 4% click through to original sources, threatening traffic and ad revenue for publishers.
What can news publishers do to adapt?
Publishers should invest in video, creator partnerships, platform-specific distribution, and AI-optimised content. Building direct relationships through newsletters, podcasts, and membership models can reduce dependence on platforms.
Is trust in news declining everywhere?
Trust fell in 29 of 48 markets, but some countries (e.g., Finland, Portugal) maintained relatively high trust levels. The decline is most pronounced in politically polarised environments and where misinformation is widespread.
Follow Discussion