Ofcom’s latest research marks a historic shift in how UK adults consume news, revealing that for the first time, online sites and apps are as popular as television (TV) as a primary news source. TV has been the dominant source of news in the UK since the 1960s when television ownership became widespread. However, Ofcom’s 2024 study shows that 71% of UK adults now access news online, compared to 70% who still rely on TV, signifying a pivotal moment in the evolution of news media.
Rise of Online News
The increasing popularity of online news is largely driven by the growing use of social media platforms. According to the research, over half (52%) of UK adults now turn to platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram for news, a jump from 47% in 2023. This shift reflects changing media consumption habits, particularly among younger audiences who prefer online platforms for news over traditional broadcast television.
Among adults aged 16-24, an overwhelming 88% use online sources to stay informed, further illustrating the generational shift in how news is consumed. While older generations (those 55 and older) have traditionally relied on TV, more than half (54%) of this age group now also access news online, with most preferring to go directly to news websites rather than through social media. Nevertheless, TV remains the dominant platform for news among older audiences, with 85% of those aged 55 and over still tuning in to broadcast news.
Decline in TV News Consumption
Although television is still an essential news source, its reach has been steadily declining in recent years. The percentage of UK adults relying on TV for news has dropped sharply, from 75% in previous years to 70% in the latest figures. Among younger audiences, the decline is even more pronounced, with only 49% of those aged 16-24 turning to TV for their news, compared to 85% of older adults.
Public service broadcasters (PSBs) like BBC One remain important news outlets, with BBC One being the most popular individual news source, followed by ITV1. The BBC’s extensive reach across multiple platforms, including TV, radio, its website, and streaming services like iPlayer, ensures that it remains a crucial source of news for 68% of UK adults. However, the decline in TV news consumption has affected even major broadcasters. For example, Channel 4 has dropped out of the top 10 most popular news sources for the first time, with usage falling from 17% in 2019 to 14% in 2024.
Social Media’s Growing Influence
Social media platforms now dominate the news landscape, particularly for younger generations. Four of the top 10 most popular news sources are social media services: Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). Among those aged 16-24, social media platforms, along with TikTok, occupy all of the top five spots for news consumption. YouTube, for example, is now as widely used for news content as the Sky News channel and has even surpassed the BBC News Channel and BBC News Online in popularity.
Despite this growing reliance on social media for news, these platforms are generally viewed as less trustworthy compared to traditional media sources. Online news, particularly from social media, is rated less favorably in terms of accuracy, impartiality, and trustworthiness. According to Ofcom’s findings, audiences still value the “trusted and accurate” news provided by public service media (PSM), with nearly half of respondents (49%) ranking it among the top three most important societal features. Moreover, 63% of those surveyed rated PSB news as trusted and accurate, highlighting the ongoing value of traditional news sources.
Challenges Facing Public Service Media
Ofcom is aware of the challenges posed by this shift towards online news consumption, particularly regarding the accuracy and trustworthiness of online sources. Misinformation, deepfake content, and biased reporting are significant concerns for both audiences and regulators. Ofcom has therefore initiated a review of public service media to ensure that high-quality, trustworthy news continues to be available across all platforms, including online.
This review builds on the findings of Ofcom’s previous report, Small Screen: Big Debate, which led to several recommendations that were later incorporated into the Media Act 2024. The review’s first phase will focus on how well PSBs are serving UK audiences, particularly in terms of making news available online. The second phase will explore potential regulatory and legislative changes needed to support public service media in the future. The aim is to secure the role of trusted news in the digital age, ensuring it continues to underpin democracy and public debate in the UK.
Yih-Choung The, Ofcom’s Group Director of Strategy and Research, emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards in news reporting, especially as more people turn to online platforms for information. He noted that while television remains highly trusted, the rise of online news brings new challenges, including concerns about misinformation and deepfakes. The review is intended to address these issues, ensuring that public service media remains a cornerstone of UK democracy.
News Consumption During the 2024 General Election
Ofcom also analyzed news consumption patterns during the 2024 UK General Election, revealing that nearly nine in ten UK adults followed the election closely. Interestingly, younger adults (aged 18-24) showed a significant increase in news engagement during the election period, with interest levels rising to 58%, compared to 39% in normal times. In contrast, older adults aged 50+, women, and those in lower socio-economic households were more likely to be disengaged from election news.
The research also highlighted concerns about misinformation during the election. Six in ten respondents reported encountering information they believed to be false or misleading, with one in ten stating that they saw such content multiple times a day. There was also widespread concern about the potential impact of deepfake videos and audio during the campaign, with 57% of people expressing unease about this issue. Moreover, 27% of adults claimed they had encountered a deepfake in the week leading up to the election.
Conclusion
Ofcom’s 2024 research highlights a significant shift in the UK’s news consumption habits, with online platforms now rivalling television as the main source of news for the first time. While younger generations are driving this change, older audiences are also increasingly turning to online sources. However, the rise of social media as a news platform has raised concerns about the reliability and trustworthiness of the information being consumed, prompting Ofcom to review the role of public service media in the digital age.
Despite the challenges, traditional broadcasters like the BBC and ITV remain key players in the UK news landscape, providing trusted and accurate news to millions. As the media environment continues to evolve, the findings from Ofcom’s research will be crucial in shaping future policies and ensuring that high-quality, reliable news remains accessible to all.