

News on social media is now mainstream
Jul 2, 2025
Nic Newman, co-author of the Reuters Institute report and expert on digital news consumption, reveals how social media has surged to become the top news source for Americans, outpacing traditional media. He discusses how younger audiences, or 'social natives,' prefer these platforms, which has led to an erosion of trust in conventional news brands. Newman also highlights the burgeoning creator economy, where journalists are adopting innovative approaches to engage audiences, raising questions about the impact on news quality and the prevalence of misinformation.
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Social Media Surpasses TV for News
- More Americans get news from social media and online video than traditional TV or websites.
- This shift is fueled by the rise of individual creator influencers leaving traditional media for greater control and cheaper reach.
Creators Disrupt Traditional Media
- The rise of creators challenges traditional media's biases and methods.
- However, many creators rely on costly journalism by traditional media, sometimes spreading misinformation.
YouTube Leads Video News Shift
- YouTube drives much social video news consumption, blending podcasts with video talk shows.
- Platforms like Twitch and Substack also host niche and youth-focused news content.