Survey reveals 71% now prefer online news over TV

A recent Ofcom survey has revealed a significant shift in news consumption habits in the UK, with online news sources now preferred by 71% of the population, surpassing traditional television news at 70%. This marks a notable increase from the previous year, where online news usage was at 68%. Social media platforms have also gained traction, with 52% of respondents using them for news, particularly among younger audiences aged 16 to 24, where the figure rises to 82%. The BBC remains the most popular news source, with 68% of people turning to it for information, despite a decline in traditional news consumption. TV news viewership has dropped from 75% to 70%, while print newspapers have seen a more drastic decline, with usage falling from 39% to 34%. The survey indicates that even among older demographics, the preference for print newspapers is waning, with only 32% of those over 55 reading them. YouTube has emerged as a significant player in the online news landscape, with 19% of respondents indicating they use it for news, a substantial increase from just 7% in 2023. This rise is attributed to the platform being specifically mentioned in the survey for the first time, highlighting a shift in how news is consumed online. Other notable online sources include Facebook and Instagram, with Meta being the second-largest news source overall. The findings suggest a continuing trend away from traditional media towards digital platforms, raising questions about the future of news consumption and the sustainability of traditional news outlets. As audiences increasingly favor online news, traditional providers must adapt to retain relevance in a rapidly changing media landscape.