Reuters annual report reveals journalism, media and technology trends in 2023

Here is a summary of the key points from the Digital News Report 2023:

• The report found that direct access to news websites and apps is declining, with only 22% of respondents saying it is their main way of getting news online. Social media is increasingly becoming the main gateway to news, with 30% of respondents saying social media is their main source of online news.

• Platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok are increasingly important intermediaries for news, though public scepticism of algorithms remains. Only 30% of respondents agreed that having stories selected based on their past consumption was a good way to get news.

• Open news participation is declining, with only 22% actively participating by posting and commenting. Around half of the respondents do not participate in the news at all.

• Overall trust in news has fallen by 2 percentage points to 40%. Public broadcasters and quality newspapers tend to have the highest trust levels, while tabloids and partisan outlets have lower trust.

• Paying for online news seems to be levelling off, with 17% of respondents across 20 countries paying for news. Cost of living pressures and lack of perceived value are barriers to increasing subscriptions.

• Younger generations are increasingly accessing news via visual formats like video and audio, though reading text remains the most preferred way of consuming news for the majority.

• News podcast use is steady overall, but deeper dives and long-form chat shows are proving popular formats, especially among younger and more educated audiences. That covers the key highlights and findings from the Digital News Report 2023.

• Social network fragmentation is increasing, with Facebook usage declining even as TikTok, Instagram and Telegram grow. TikTok in particular attracts a younger demographic that pays more attention to influencers and personalities rather than journalists when consuming news on the platform.

• Consumption of traditional media sources like TV and print continues to decline in most markets, while online and social consumption does not fully make up the gap. As a result, overall interest in news is falling and news avoidance is rising.

• The economic downturn is putting pressure on news businesses, with some digital natives filing for bankruptcy. Advertising revenues have fallen while costs rise, prompting layoffs and cuts at many media organizations.

• While some news brands are seeing growth in digital subscriptions, others report subscriptions levelling off. Many non-payers say nothing could convince them to start paying for news, citing lack of interest, perceived lack of value and price as obstacles.

• Public service media face challenges in delivering their universal mission amid fragmented media ecosystems and reduced reach with younger audiences. However, those who use these services tend to see them as important both personally and for society.

• Podcast formats that allow brands to leverage visual content like video and photography on platforms like YouTube and TikTok are proving successful in attracting audiences and promoting shows. But overall attention remains fragmented across many shows and publishers.

• While some news brands are seeing growth in digital subscriptions, others report subscriptions leveling off. Many non-payers say nothing could convince them to start paying for news, citing lack of interest, perceived lack of value and price as obstacles.