A new study has found that almost half of 18 to 24-year-olds now use TikTok for news, as traditional media sources like television, radio, and newspapers continue to lose ground among younger audiences. The 2026 Digital News Report, released by the University of Canberra's News and Media Research Centre, highlights a significant shift in how Australians consume news.
Young Australians Abandon Traditional Media
The report reveals that the majority of Australian adults under 25 have never used newspapers or radio as a source of news. Specifically, 60% of 18 to 24-year-olds have never accessed newspapers for news, while 53% have never used radio. Even television has been ignored by 25% of this demographic. Overall, 40% of all Australians who once relied on newspapers and radio have stopped using these platforms entirely.
Rising Interest in News
Despite the decline of traditional media, overall interest in news has increased, particularly among women and young people. After years of decline, interest among 18 to 24-year-olds has jumped by 12 percentage points to 47% since 2024. For the first time, political interest among those under 35 now surpasses that of older age groups.
Social Media Dominates News Consumption
Television remains the primary news source for 57% of Australians, but it is closely followed by social media (56%) and online news (52%). Among younger users, TikTok has become a major platform, with 48% of 18 to 24-year-olds using it for news—a 12-point increase. Influencers and content creators are increasingly interpreting news for their followers on platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.
Podcasts and AI Chatbots on the Rise
The report notes that podcasts and AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT and Gemini, are growing as news sources. Nearly 10% of Australians now use generative AI tools to access news, including asking follow-up questions. The study is part of a larger international survey by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, which polled 2,025 Australians among nearly 100,000 respondents across 48 markets.
Public Service Media Viewed Positively by Youth
Despite political polarization, 49% of Australians prefer news from sources that do not take a particular viewpoint. Only 17% favor news aligned with their own views, while the same number seek out challenging perspectives. Public service broadcasters ABC and SBS receive strong support: nearly half of news consumers say these outlets have a positive impact on Australian life. However, 39% of right-leaning respondents view them negatively. Young people (68% of those aged 25-34) are far more positive about public service media than older groups (34% of those 55-64 and 38% of those 65+).
Global Trust in News at Record Low
Globally, trust in news has fallen to 37%, the lowest level since tracking began in 2015. The steepest declines occurred in the Philippines (-10 points), Ireland (-9), Thailand, Peru, and Poland (all -8). In the United States, only 25% trust most news most of the time, down five points from 2025, with trust among right-leaning Americans dropping to 15%. Major news brands like CBS News and Fox News each lost 10 points in trust year-on-year, while CNN fell by six points.
