A recent study reveals that younger Australians are transforming the news landscape. For the first time, individuals under 35 show greater political interest than older demographics, according to the Digital News Report: Australia. This longitudinal study, tracking news habits for over a decade, highlights a significant shift in how younger generations access and interpret news, moving away from traditional outlets.
Traditional Media Decline
Mainstream news sources are being bypassed by younger audiences. Sixty percent of those under 25 have never read a newspaper, and 53% have never listened to radio news. Instead, they encounter news digitally and on mobile devices, often incidentally. Seventy-one percent of under-25s access news on social media, with 48% using TikTok specifically. An overwhelming 89% watch news videos via online and social platforms.
Redefining News Consumption
This generational shift is not just about platform preference; it redefines what news is, who delivers it, and why people pay for it. News is no longer a deliberate, scheduled activity but is embedded in daily scrolling, sharing, and entertainment. Algorithms, social networks, and personal interests drive a fluid relationship with news, replacing routines established by mainstream outlets.
More Sources and Willingness to Pay
Young Australians under 25 use more news sources than older Australians and are more likely to pay for it. Twenty-seven percent of 18–24-year-olds and 41% of 25–34-year-olds pay for news, compared to 16% of those over 65. This younger cohort drives Australia's highest global rate of paying for digital-only news brands. Their motivations differ: they are twice as likely as older groups to pay for news so others can access it for free, viewing journalism as a social good. They also tend to subscribe to outlets aligning with their views, reflecting a shift toward personalized media ecosystems.
The Rise of News Influencers
A striking trend is the rise of creators and influencers as news sources. In Australia, 43% of people get news from influencers, above the global average. For 18–24-year-olds, this figure jumps to 70%. Audiences find influencer-led news more entertaining (59%), relatable (55%), and easier to understand (56%) than mainstream news. This growth ties to trust: those distrusting mainstream media are more likely to turn to influencers. Distrusters of news perceive influencers as more trustworthy (40%) than those who trust mainstream news (32%) and find influencer-led news more authentic (61%).
Opportunities and Challenges
Young people want news that is accessible, flexible, and personally relevant. They expect news on mobile devices and social media feeds from trusted voices. Despite concerns about misinformation, trust among under-35s in the news they choose has risen 14 percentage points since 2024, reaching 60%—above the Australian average of 54%. This duality offers opportunities and challenges for the news industry. Legacy organizations must adapt to new formats and distribution channels without sacrificing quality. Embracing video-first storytelling and recognizing influencers' roles are crucial, as is acknowledging the impact of digital platforms like search, social media, and generative AI on news discovery and consumption.
The Digital News Report: Australia is produced by the News & Media Research Centre at the University of Canberra and is part of a global survey by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford. The survey was conducted by YouGov in early 2026.
