Social media and video platforms have eclipsed traditional television as the leading sources of news in the United States, according to a new report from the Reuters Institute. This shift marks a substantial transformation in media consumption habits, with over half (54%) of Americans now turning to platforms such as Facebook, X, and YouTube for their news, compared to 50% who rely on television and 48% who engage with news websites and apps.
The research indicates that the trend of depending on social and personality-driven news is accelerating more rapidly in the U.S. than in other countries. Notably, popular podcaster Joe Rogan was identified as the most widely recognized media figure, with nearly a quarter (22%) of respondents encountering his news-related content in the previous week.
According to Nic Newman, the report's author, this growth of social video and personality-centric news presents a formidable challenge for established news organizations. It reflects a broader global trend where politicians increasingly favor sympathetic online hosts, bypassing traditional media to reach audiences directly. This trend allows populist figures to communicate through friendly, partisan channels that often offer them special access without rigorous questioning—raising concerns around the spread of misinformation.
The study further highlights that online influencers and content creators are perceived as significant sources of false or misleading information, with nearly half of global respondents (47%) categorizing them alongside politicians on this issue. The report also notes that since Elon Musk's takeover of X in 2022, a marked increase in right-leaning users, particularly among young men, has been observed, while progressive audiences appear to be disengaging from the platform. Comparatively, newer social media networks such as Threads, Bluesky, and Mastodon have struggled to gain significant traction, garnering less than 2% reach for news consumption.
Among the key findings, TikTok has emerged as the fastest growing platform for news, with its user base reaching 17%, marking a noteworthy increase from the previous year. Additionally, the use of AI chatbots for news consumption is on the rise, especially among the under-25 demographic, although many users express concerns that AI may compromise news accuracy and transparency. Regardless of these changes, audiences continue to value trustworthy brands with a history of accuracy, despite a decline in their traditional news consumption. This report, now in its 14th iteration, surveyed close to 100,000 individuals across 48 nations, highlighting the evolving landscape of news media consumption.
