Newsroom
For the first time since the 1960s, online news sources have surpassed television as the main way people get their news, according to a new survey by Ofcom. The study highlights a significant change in news consumption habits, although TV and radio news remain more trusted by the public.
According to the survey, 71% of adults now access their news online, a rise from previous years. TV news, meanwhile, has seen a decline in reach, dropping from 75% to 70% last year. Despite this shift, TV continues to command high trust, with 69% of people rating TV channels as "trustworthy," compared to 53% for online sources.
Social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram are becoming increasingly popular for news, with 52% of UK adults using them, up from 47% in 2023. Younger audiences are particularly drawn to online news, but older generations are also adapting, with 54% of people aged 55 and older now finding news online.
In response to these changes, Ofcom is launching a review to assess the role of public service media in supporting UK democracy and public debate. The review will first evaluate how well public service broadcasters have served UK audiences and their online presence, followed by potential regulatory or legislative changes to support these media in the future.
[Source: Sky News]
