Australia's traditional media landscape is undergoing a seismic shift as young adults increasingly turn away from newspapers and radio towards digital platforms. The 2026 Digital News Report reveals that six out of ten Australians aged 18 to 24 have never set foot in a newspaper, while half of this age group has never tuned into the radio for news.
The research, conducted by the University of Canberra's News and Media Research Centre, highlights an irreversible trend towards digital media. A staggering 60% of under-25s eschew newspapers, with 53% opting out of radio news and a quarter shunning television altogether. This marked shift underscores a long-term decline in traditional media formats.
Contrary to expectations, however, overall interest in news has experienced an unexpected resurgence, particularly among women and younger demographics. The report shows that the interest in news among 18 to 24-year-olds has risen sharply by 12 points since 2024, reaching a respectable 47%. Furthermore, for the first time, those under 35 have surpassed older age groups in their interest in politics, indicating a growing engagement with current affairs.
Social media platforms are now firmly established as primary news sources. According to the report, social media is the second most widely used source of news in Australia (56%), narrowly trailing television (57%) and just ahead of online news sites (52%). Notably, nearly half (48%) of 18 to 24-year-olds rely on TikTok for news, a 12-point increase. Content creators and influencers are increasingly playing the role of interpreters, providing context and analysis to their followers.
The findings in Australia form part of a broader global study conducted by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, which gathered data from 2,025 individuals across multiple countries. The report also explores the emerging role of generative AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini, with almost 10% of participants reporting their use for news consumption.
The report paints a concerning picture globally: trust in news has plummeted to a decade-low 37%, marking its lowest level since measurements began in 2015. Several countries, including Ireland, have seen significant declines – Ireland's trust has dropped by nine points.