For the first time in UK history, online platforms have overtaken television as the most popular news source, according to a report by Ofcom, the country’s communications regulator. The shift marks a significant generational change in how news is consumed in the digital age, with 71% of UK adults now relying on online platforms, slightly surpassing the 70% who still use TV for news.

A “Generational Shift”

Ofcom described the change as a “generational shift” in news consumption habits, largely driven by the rise of social media. More than half of UK adults (52%) now use social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) for news, with Facebook being the most popular platform, reaching three out of 10 adults.

Yih-Choung Teh, head of strategy and research at Ofcom, highlighted the significance of this change: “Television has dominated people’s news habits since the 60s, and it still commands high trust. But we’re witnessing a generational shift to online news, which is often seen as less reliable.”

TV’s Declining Role

Despite online news taking the lead, traditional news sources still perform better in terms of trust, accuracy, and impartiality. BBC One remains the single largest news provider, with 43% of UK adults using it for news, though this is a notable drop from 58% in 2019. The BBC iPlayer also plays a significant role, contributing nearly a quarter of viewers to the TV news segment. Meanwhile, Channel 4 has fallen out of the top 10 news sources.

In response to these trends, Ofcom announced plans to review public service media content, focusing on how public broadcasters like the BBC and ITV have adapted to serve online audiences. This review could lead to regulatory or legislative changes to ensure public service broadcasters remain relevant in the digital era.

Younger Generations Favor Online Sources

Among younger audiences, the shift to online news consumption is even more pronounced. For 16- to 24-year-olds, social media is the dominant source of news, with Instagram being the most popular platform, used by 40% of this age group. TikTok follows closely, used by one-third of young news viewers. In contrast, 90% of people over 55 continue to rely on TV as their main source of news.

Even younger audiences, aged 12 to 15, now regard TikTok as their primary news platform, further indicating that the shift to online news is likely to grow in future generations.

Concerns Over Trustworthiness of Social Media

While online platforms offer convenience, they are often seen as less reliable than traditional media. The BBC’s Fiona Bruce expressed concern about the growing reliance on social media for news, calling it a “worrying trend.” In an article in the Radio Times, Bruce highlighted the difficulty in correcting misinformation once it spreads online, citing the persistence of false claims that Nigel Farage had appeared on Question Time more than any other politician.

Ofcom’s research also showed that 60% of people had encountered false or misleading information during the UK’s most recent general election campaign, with over a quarter encountering deepfake content.

Traditional Media Still Trusted

Despite the rise of online platforms, public service broadcasters like the BBC continue to be trusted by a large proportion of the population. Six in 10 adults rated public broadcasters as “trusted and accurate” sources of news, underscoring the enduring value of traditional media in an era of increasing digital consumption.

Impact on TV industry?

The shift from television to online platforms as the UK’s leading news source has significant implications for the TV industry, signaling both challenges and opportunities for traditional broadcasters. Here are the key impacts:

1. Decline in Audience and Revenue

As more people turn to online platforms for news, TV news channels are experiencing a decline in viewership. The drop in users from 58% in 2019 to 43% in 2023 for BBC One, the UK’s largest TV news provider, highlights this trend. Reduced viewership directly affects advertising revenue and could lead to a reduction in resources for TV news production.

2. Pressure to Adapt to Digital Trends

Traditional broadcasters, such as the BBC and ITV, face growing pressure to strengthen their digital presence to stay relevant. Many have already expanded into online platforms, with services like BBC iPlayer being critical to maintaining their audience base. Public broadcasters will need to invest more in digital content and user-friendly platforms to compete with social media and news apps.

3. Competition with Social Media

TV channels are increasingly competing with social media platforms, which provide real-time updates and personalized news feeds. Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok offer news content in short, engaging formats, especially for younger audiences. To remain competitive, TV channels must innovate in how they deliver news, possibly focusing on shorter, more digestible content tailored for digital consumption.

4. Challenges with Trust and Accuracy

While TV news retains higher trust levels than social media, the shift to online platforms could erode public trust in news overall. Traditional broadcasters may need to highlight their credibility and accuracy to differentiate themselves from often-unregulated social media platforms that are prone to misinformation.

5. Changes in News Format and Consumption

The dominance of online platforms, especially among younger generations, means traditional TV news formats—such as long bulletins or scheduled programs—are becoming less appealing. Broadcasters might need to explore new formats, such as live streaming, interactive news apps, or integrating with social media platforms, to reach wider audiences.

6. Potential Regulatory and Legislative Changes

As Ofcom has announced a review of public service media, regulatory and legislative changes may arise to ensure that public broadcasters remain viable in the digital landscape. This could include more support for digital transformation or changes in how public service broadcasters are funded to allow them to compete effectively with private online platforms.

7. Impact on Older Audiences

TV remains the preferred medium for news among older generations, with nine out of 10 over-55s still relying on TV for news. However, as the overall audience declines, the TV industry may find itself catering more to an aging demographic, limiting its reach and influence among younger, more digital-savvy viewers.

Impact on news consumption?

The shift from TV to online platforms as the UK’s most popular source of news has several profound impacts on news consumption patterns. These changes are reshaping how people access, engage with, and perceive news. Here are the key effects:

1. Increased Accessibility and Personalization

• 24/7 Access: Online platforms allow users to access news anytime and anywhere, unlike traditional TV broadcasts that follow fixed schedules. This on-demand access makes it easier for people to stay updated with breaking news and global events in real time.
• Personalized News Feeds: Social media platforms and news apps use algorithms to tailor content to individual preferences. This means people are more likely to encounter news that aligns with their interests or political views, leading to a more personalized but potentially less diverse news experience.

2. Rise of Social Media as a News Source

• Fragmented News Consumption: Social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok are now primary news sources for many, especially younger users. News is often consumed in bite-sized formats, mixed with entertainment and personal content, leading to a more fragmented and less focused news experience.
• News Sharing and Virality: Social media encourages the rapid sharing of news, which can make certain stories go viral quickly. While this increases the reach of news, it also amplifies the risk of misinformation spreading at an equally fast pace.

3. Decline in Traditional News Viewership

• Generational Divide: Younger people are overwhelmingly turning to online sources for news, with 90% of 16- to 24-year-olds consuming news online compared to older generations who still favor TV. This generational gap creates different news consumption behaviors, with younger audiences preferring quick, visual content over in-depth TV reports.
• Impact on TV News: Traditional TV news channels are losing their dominance as a primary news source, especially among younger audiences. This decline is reshaping the media landscape and forcing broadcasters to adapt to digital-first strategies.

4. Increased Risk of Misinformation

• Lower Trust in Online News: While online platforms have made news more accessible, they are often viewed as less trustworthy compared to traditional TV news outlets. Social media is particularly vulnerable to misinformation, fake news, and manipulated content, as seen during political campaigns and major global events.
• Echo Chambers and Filter Bubbles: The algorithms used by social media platforms can lead users into “echo chambers,” where they are repeatedly exposed to the same viewpoints and information, reinforcing existing beliefs while reducing exposure to diverse perspectives.

5. More Interactive and Engaged News Consumption

• User Interaction: Online news platforms allow users to comment, share, and engage with content in real-time, creating a more interactive news consumption experience. This interactivity fosters greater audience participation but can also lead to the spread of polarizing opinions and heated discussions.
• Citizen Journalism: The rise of social media has empowered ordinary people to report and share news themselves, often bypassing traditional journalism channels. This has democratized news creation but also raised concerns about credibility and accountability.

6. Shift in News Formats

• Shorter, Visual Content: News is increasingly being consumed in short, visual formats, especially on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Video snippets, infographics, and memes are becoming popular ways to convey news. This shift prioritizes speed and entertainment over depth and analysis.
• Decline in Long-form Reporting: With more people relying on quick updates and headlines, long-form investigative journalism may lose its prominence. This could impact the quality of public discourse as audiences may miss out on nuanced and in-depth reporting.

7. Diverse Range of Sources

• Increased Choice: Online platforms offer a vast array of news sources, ranging from major international media outlets to independent blogs and niche websites. This diversity of voices provides more options for news consumers, but it also makes it harder to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources.
• Public Service News Under Pressure: Public service broadcasters like the BBC, which are seen as trusted and accurate, face stiff competition from online platforms. As viewership declines, maintaining funding and resources for high-quality journalism could become more challenging.

8. News Consumption Among Younger Audiences

• Social Media Dominance: Among 16- to 24-year-olds, social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok are the most popular sources of news. These platforms prioritize visual and viral content, influencing how young people engage with and understand current events.
• Influence of Digital Influencers: On platforms like TikTok, news is increasingly being delivered by influencers or non-journalists, blending entertainment with news. This trend could impact how news is interpreted, especially for younger audiences who rely heavily on these platforms.

Conclusion

The shift to online news is fundamentally transforming how news is consumed in the UK. While it offers greater accessibility, convenience, and interactivity, it also raises concerns about trust, the spread of misinformation, and the decline of traditional journalism. As digital platforms continue to grow in influence, the way people consume, share, and engage with news will keep evolving.