The world of news is evolving, and Australia is at the forefront of these changes. According to the Digital News Report: Australia 2024, released by the University of Canberra’s News and Media Research Centre (N&MRC), the landscape of news consumption in Australia is increasingly digital, dynamic, and diverse.
From the rise of social media platforms to the growing unease over AI-generated news, Australians are reshaping how, when, and where they access their information.
Social media surpasses TV as a key news source
Social media’s growing influence on news consumption is undeniable. As of 2024, social media is rapidly gaining ground on traditional media channels, with half of Australians now turning to these platforms for their daily news.
One quarter of the population (25 per cent) now relies on social media as their primary news source, a significant shift from the dominance of traditional television.
Gen Z, in particular, is leading this charge, with a remarkable 60% of this generation relying on social media for their news—an increase of 17 percentage points from the previous year.
Instagram has emerged as the top platform for news consumption among this group, with 32 per cent turning to the app for updates on current events.
In contrast, TV has seen a decline, with only 56 per cent of Australians reporting it as a primary news source, a drop of 4 percentage points from previous years.
The rise of social media-driven news is evident in the fact that mainstream media sources are still the most popular among social media users.
On platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, mainstream news brands lead the way in terms of audience reach, underscoring the importance of reputable news outlets in the digital age.
“Mainstream news brands and journalists continue to be the most popular source of news for people on social media,” the authors of the report noted.
“It’s notable that audiences say it is easier to identify trustworthy news on platforms with an established presence of news brands and clear labelling.”
The misinformation dilemma
As the use of social media as a news source grows, so does the concern about misinformation.
According to the report, Australians are now more worried about fake news than ever before, with 75 per cent expressing concern—an increase of 11 percentage points since 2022.
The spread of misinformation is particularly troubling in areas like politics, climate change, and international conflicts, such as the Israeli-Palestinian issue.
“However, for some groups, there has been a rise in the use of ordinary people as a source of news. This is particularly the case for young people on TikTok and Instagram,” the report noted.
While many Australians find it difficult to spot misinformation on platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), they report greater ease in identifying reliable news on platforms with a more established presence of reputable news outlets, such as Google, Facebook, and YouTube.
AI in journalism
While generative AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming more prevalent in news production, Australians are more uncomfortable with AI-generated news (59 per cent) compared to other regions.
Transparency about AI’s role in news production is crucial for maintaining trust, particularly in political reporting.
Steady demand for paid news
Despite financial pressures, 21 per cent of Australians continue to pay for news, reflecting a strong demand for quality journalism.
This demand highlights the ongoing importance of trust, transparency, and diverse perspectives in the media.
Australia’s media landscape is rapidly evolving, with digital platforms taking the lead.
Trustworthy, transparent journalism remains key, as Australians increasingly turn to social media, podcasts, and video for their news, while traditional outlets adapt to a changing environment.
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