For the first time, online platforms have overtaken television as the primary source of news for people in the U.K., according to a recent survey by broadcast regulator Ofcom. This shift marks a significant change in the way people consume news and reflects broader trends in media consumption.
A turning point in news consumption
The Ofcom survey shows that 71% of people now use online services for their news, while 70% still rely on television news bulletins. This is a pivotal moment in media history, indicating that online news has officially overtaken traditional TV as the most popular news source in the U.K.
Over the past year, the use of online news sources has increased from 68% to 71%. Social media platforms in particular have seen a surge in their news consumption figures, rising from 47% to 52%. Among younger demographics, particularly those aged 16 to 24, social media is even more influential, with 82% of this group using these platforms for news.
The survey found that Facebook, YouTube and Instagram were the most frequently mentioned online news sources. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, was identified as the second-largest news provider, with 40% of respondents saying they use Meta’s platform for news updates.
Decline in traditional news outlets
The survey found a significant decline in the use of traditional news sources. Newspapers and their websites saw a decline in usage, falling from 39% to 34%. Television news, once a major source, also decreased from 75% to 70%. The BBC’s online presence has similarly declined, with usage of its news website falling from 22% to 18%.
Interestingly, the BBC remains the largest single news source, with 68% of people turning to it for news. Despite this, the BBC’s online news site saw a decrease in reach, even though it remains one of the most visited news websites worldwide, with around 1.2 billion visits every month.
The rise of YouTube and social media
Among online platforms, YouTube has seen the most significant increase in news consumption. According to the survey, 19% of respondents now use YouTube for news, up from just 7% last year. This increase is partly due to the fact that YouTube was previously classified under “other online” sources, which likely skewed the results.
Other online news sources such as The Guardian and The Daily Mail have maintained similar figures to the previous year. The Guardian, in particular, is notable for its strong online presence, being the most visited UK newspaper website with 365 million visits in July 2024.
Trends in print media
Traditional newspapers are seeing a significant decline. The number of people over the age of 55 who read a print newspaper has dropped from 38% to 32% within a year. This decline reflects a broader trend of decreasing print media consumption, as more people are turning to digital platforms for their news.
Despite the overall decline in TV news, BBC One remains a key news source. The survey shows that 43% of people turn to BBC One for their news, making it the most frequently mentioned single news source. This puts BBC One 13% ahead of its closest competitors, ITV and Facebook, who are both on 30%.
Implications for the news industry
The shift from traditional media to online platforms has a significant impact on the news industry. Media companies must adapt to changing consumption habits by increasing their digital presence and engaging with audiences on social media platforms. As online news consumption continues to grow, understanding these trends will be crucial for news organisations to remain relevant and competitive.
For traditional news providers, this shift underlines the importance of integrating digital strategies and exploring new ways to connect with audiences. With younger generations increasingly turning to social media and online platforms for news, media companies will need to innovate and adapt to retain their audience base.
Conclusion
The latest survey conducted by Ofcom reflects a transformative moment in news consumption, with online platforms overtaking television as the primary news source in the UK. As people turn to social media and online sources for their news, traditional media must evolve to meet these changing preferences. The rise of platforms such as YouTube and the continued dominance of the BBC highlight the dynamic nature of news consumption and the need for media companies to stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing landscape.
