Survey finds most Australians under 25 have never used newspapers or radio as source of news

The majority of Australian adults under 25 have never used newspapers or radio as a source of news, according to the 2026 Digital News Report which tracks the changing habits of news consumers. However, overall interest in news has increased, in particular among women and young people, after years of decline. Since 2024, the interest of 18 to 24-year-olds in news has risen sharply (+12) to 47%.

As social media, including Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, grows as a main source of news, creators and influencers are increasingly interpreting the news for their followers. Almost half (48%, +12) of 18 to 24-year-olds use TikTok for news. But there is good news for the country’s public service broadcasters, ABC and SBS, with almost half of news consumers saying public service media has a positive effect on life in Australia.

The Australian study is part of an international survey by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, which canvassed news consumers worldwide, including a statistical sample of 2,025 people in Australia. “Australians’ news consumption continues to evolve across platforms, pathways and devices,” the Digital News Report released on Tuesday said. “While traditional sources such as TV remain important, digital pathways are becoming increasingly prominent. Social media is now the second most widely used source of news, ahead of online news, while podcasts and AI chatbots continue to grow.”