Australia’s news landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, as social media overtakes traditional news websites as the primary gateway to information for a growing number of Australians. The latest Digital News Report reveals that 26% of Australians now rely on social platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube for their main source of news, edging past dedicated online news sites, which have dropped to 23% as the main news source[1][3][4]. This shift marks a turning point in how news is consumed and trusted, especially among younger audiences.
**The Rise of Video News and Social Engagement**
Younger Australians, particularly those aged 18 to 24, are leading the charge toward a new era of news consumption. More than a third of this demographic watch news videos on TikTok (37%) and Instagram (34%)—platforms that offer bite-sized, visually engaging content[3]. This preference for video news is reshaping not only how stories are told but also how they are discovered and shared. Politicians and public figures are adapting, leveraging the reach of independent commentators and influencers to communicate directly with voters. For example, a recent video by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on TikTok, addressing paid practical placements for key professions, racked up 1.7 million views in just a few days, illustrating the platform’s power in shaping public discourse.
**Changing Trust and Media Literacy**
While television remains the most popular news source overall (37%), the report highlights a paradox: trust in news is fragile and uneven. Despite a slight increase in trust this year, a significant portion of the population remains skeptical, with 32% expressing distrust in news reporting—up 8% since 2016[1][3]. However, those who have undergone news literacy education are more likely to trust the news, engage deeply with it, and even pay for subscriptions. This suggests that improving media literacy could be a key to both restoring trust and supporting the economic sustainability of news organizations[4].
**Diverse Consumption and the Role of AI**
Australians are not just shifting their news habits; they are diversifying them. The average news consumer accesses up to five different news brands each month, reflecting a desire for a variety of viewpoints and in-depth analysis[5]. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence is creeping into the news ecosystem: 6% of respondents had used AI chatbots for news in the previous week, signaling a nascent but growing trend toward personalized, automated news delivery[3].
**Trust, Polarization, and Global Comparisons**
Despite global concerns about media polarization and declining trust, Australia’s media environment remains relatively stable and less divided than those in the UK and the US. Public broadcasters like ABC and SBS continue to enjoy the highest levels of trust (60% and 59% respectively), while commercial outlets and national newspapers are not far behind[4]. Australians are also more willing to pay for news than the global average, with 22% subscribing to news services—higher than in the US (20%) but trailing Nordic countries like Norway (42%)[4].
**Challenges and Opportunities Ahead**
The report also uncovers a troubling trend: news avoidance is rising, with 69% of Australians saying they sometimes avoid news because it negatively affects their mood or seems untrustworthy or biased. Interest in news has been declining since 2016, especially among women, underscoring the need for news organizations to rethink how they engage audiences[1][3].
**Conclusion: A New Era of News**
Australia’s news landscape is at a crossroads. Social media’s rise as a primary news source, the popularity of video news among young people, and the growing influence of AI and independent commentators are reshaping the way information is consumed and trusted. While challenges remain—particularly around trust, misinformation, and news avoidance—there are also opportunities for innovation, education, and deeper engagement. As the media evolves, the need for strong news literacy and transparent, high-quality journalism has never been greater.
