According to a recent Ofcom study, online news has now surpassed television as the UK’s favorite source of information. This shift marks a significant change in consumer behavior and media consumption trends.
The Decline of Television News
Ofcom’s report, based on 5,466 interviews by Jigsaw Research, reveals that 71% of people view news online, while 70% still rely on television. This marks a decline in TV viewership, which had 79% in 2018.
The Rise of Online News
Online news consumption has seen a rise, growing from 68% in 2023 to 71% this year. Among adults accessing news online, the BBC website leads with 59%, followed closely by Sky News, The Guardian, and The Daily Mail.
Social media plays a significant role, with 52% of respondents using platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram for news in 2024, up from 44% in 2018.
Generational Differences in News Consumption
The shift to online news sources is particularly pronounced among younger people. A striking 88% of those aged 16 to 24 use the internet for news, while only 49% turn to television. In contrast, among those over 55, 85% still rely on TV, but 54% also use online platforms.
Trust and Misinformation
Yih-Choung Teh, Ofcom’s group director of strategy and research, notes that while television has long been trusted for news, the current shift to online platforms brings challenges like misinformation and deepfake content.
Ofcom plans a comprehensive review of public service media to ensure they deliver high-quality news for future generations.
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