## Online Platforms Overtake TV as Most Popular News Resource
The landscape of news consumption is rapidly changing, with online platforms now surpassing TV as the most popular resource for news among adult consumers. According to recent research from the U.K. communications regulator Ofcom, 71% of adults now turn to online platforms for news, compared to 70% who rely on TV.
This shift is significant considering that TV has dominated the news industry for over six decades, surpassing newspapers in popularity. However, as online platforms replace traditional broadcasters and newspapers, the news they deliver comes from a much wider range of sources. While this allows for more diverse viewpoints, it also presents challenges in terms of vetting for accuracy.
Ofcom’s research highlights the ongoing decline of newspapers, the pressure faced by TV from streaming and online media, and concerns around the growth of AI in relation to misinformation and deepfake content. By providing statistics on these shifting usage patterns, Ofcom aims to determine the focus of its regulation in the coming years.
Yih-Choung Teh, Ofcom’s group director for strategy and research, acknowledges the generational shift toward online news and the growing fears about misinformation and deepfake content. He emphasizes the need to secure high-quality news for the next generation and announces a review of public service media to support the U.K.’s democracy and public debate.
## The Rise of Online Platforms and the Erosion of News Outlets
While online platforms have disrupted the media market, they are not a panacea for publishers. Online news outlets themselves face competition from social media giants like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter. Surprisingly, these platforms also make it to the top 10 news sources in the survey conducted by Ofcom.
Despite the rising concerns about fake news on social platforms, news continues to be a vital part of how people engage with these platforms. The survey reveals that 30% of respondents get their news from Facebook, putting it on par with the broadcaster ITV. YouTube, owned by Google, experienced a 12 percentage point spike, with 19% of respondents relying on it for news.
While TikTok did not make it into the top 10, it is rapidly growing as a news source. In 2020, only 1% of adults considered TikTok a source for news, but that number has now risen to 11%. Users between the ages of 12 and 15, in particular, heavily rely on TikTok for news, with 30% naming it as their go-to platform and 12% considering it their main source.
Other popular platforms for news consumption include YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, WhatsApp, and Twitter. Interestingly, the BBC stands out as a trusted source, with 36% of respondents still using it for news.
These findings from the U.K. align with similar trends observed in the U.S., where Pew Research reports that about half of TikTok users under the age of 30 rely on the platform for politics and news content.
## The Challenges and Consequences of News Consumption on Online Platforms
The rise of online news consumption and user-generated content brings with it challenges and potential consequences. The accessibility and speed of online platforms have led to a broader definition of news, which can be exploited in various ways.
Election cycles often serve as a prime example of the challenges associated with online news. During the U.K. General Election, 60% of respondents in the Ofcom survey recalled encountering false or misleading information, with 10% encountering such content several times a day.
Deepfake content is another growing concern, with 57% of respondents expressing worry about being deceived by such content, and 27% admitting to having already encountered it.
While TV, newspapers, and radio still have work to do in terms of gaining more trust from consumers, the focus should be on preventing news from becoming a race to the bottom. The table provided by Ofcom reveals that these traditional news sources still face skepticism from the public.
## Conclusion
The shift from TV to online platforms as the primary source of news among adult consumers signifies a significant transformation in the media landscape. This research from Ofcom sheds light on the changing patterns of news consumption and highlights the challenges posed by misinformation, deepfakes, and the erosion of traditional news outlets.
As online platforms continue to dominate news consumption, it is crucial to address concerns about accuracy, trustworthiness, and the exploitation of user-generated content. Regulation and efforts to ensure high-quality news are essential for preserving the integrity of news and sustaining democracy in the digital age.
