GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

News Industry Statistics

News industry statistics provide insights into trends, audience behaviors, and market share within the media landscape.

Highlights: News Industry Statistics

  • 86% of Americans get their news from a digital device.
  • Around 69% of American adults use Facebook, and around 43% get news on the site.
  • The newspaper industry revenue decreased by 62% from 2008 to 2018.
  • Newsroom employees dropped by 51% between 2008 and 2019 in the US.
  • Up to 67% of news content that adults in the U.S. consumed was from digital platforms, including mobile.
  • 26% of those newsroom employees in 2020 were minorities.
  • 78% of Australians trust their news most of the time, down from 86% in 2020.
  • The public's trust in traditional news sources has reached an all-time low in 2021, with less than half of Americans trusting traditional media for news.
  • 34% of journalists said their newsroom staff has gotten smaller in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • There are 210 DMAs (designated market areas) in the United States (2021 data).
  • 59% of people in the UK get their news online.
  • Global spending on digital news reached $153 billion in 2019.
  • More than 25% of newspapers have experienced layoffs since the pandemic hit.
  • 73% of adults in the UK use BBC as a news source.
  • 41% of European internet users read news websites or news apps.
  • 52% of online news consumers worry about what is real and what is fake on the internet.
  • 20% of social media news consumers in the U.S. distrust most news on social media.
  • 60% of the people across 37 countries now avoid the news occasionally or often.

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The Latest News Industry Statistics Explained

86% of Americans get their news from a digital device.

The statistic ‘86% of Americans get their news from a digital device’ indicates that the vast majority of Americans consume news information through online platforms such as websites, social media, or mobile applications rather than traditional print sources or broadcast television. This trend reflects the increasingly digital nature of the media landscape and the evolving preferences of the general population towards accessing news content through electronic devices. The widespread adoption of digital devices for news consumption suggests a shift in how people engage with information, highlighting the importance of online platforms in delivering news content in a convenient and accessible manner to a significant portion of the American population.

Around 69% of American adults use Facebook, and around 43% get news on the site.

The statistic indicates that a majority of American adults, approximately 69%, are active users of Facebook, suggesting its widespread popularity as a social media platform. Additionally, around 43% of these users rely on Facebook as a source of news, demonstrating the platform’s influence in the dissemination of information. This statistic highlights the dual role that Facebook plays in the lives of American adults, serving both as a means of social connection and as a source of news consumption. It underscores the importance of digital platforms in shaping the way people engage with information and stay informed in today’s interconnected society.

The newspaper industry revenue decreased by 62% from 2008 to 2018.

The statistic indicates that the total revenue generated by the newspaper industry decreased by 62% over a 10-year period, from 2008 to 2018. This significant decline suggests a substantial loss in financial viability or market share within the industry during that time. Factors such as the rise of digital media, changing consumer preferences, and challenges in adapting to online platforms are likely contributors to this decline in revenue. The statistic underscores the structural challenges faced by traditional print media outlets and the urgent need for innovative strategies to adapt to the evolving media landscape.

Newsroom employees dropped by 51% between 2008 and 2019 in the US.

The statistic that newsroom employees dropped by 51% between 2008 and 2019 in the US highlights a significant and concerning trend in the media industry. This substantial decline in the number of individuals working in newsrooms over the course of a little over a decade suggests a major shift in the landscape of journalism, which can have far-reaching implications on the quality and diversity of news coverage available to the public. Factors contributing to this decline may include technological disruptions, changes in media consumption habits, economic pressures on traditional media outlets, and shifts in advertising revenue. As newsroom staffing levels continue to decrease, there is a growing concern about the potential impact on the ability of the media to fulfill its crucial role in providing accurate, timely, and diverse information to the public.

Up to 67% of news content that adults in the U.S. consumed was from digital platforms, including mobile.

The statistic indicates that a significant proportion of news content consumed by adults in the United States, up to 67%, was sourced from digital platforms, particularly mobile devices. This finding highlights the shifting trend towards digital media consumption among the adult population, suggesting a decrease in reliance on traditional forms of news delivery such as print media or television. The widespread availability of news content on digital platforms has enabled greater accessibility and convenience for consumers, allowing them to stay informed on-the-go and customize their news consumption according to their preferences. This statistic underscores the increasing importance of digital platforms in shaping the media landscape and suggests a need for traditional news outlets to adapt to evolving consumer behaviors and preferences in order to remain relevant in the digital age.

26% of those newsroom employees in 2020 were minorities.

The statistic that 26% of newsroom employees in 2020 were minorities indicates the proportion of individuals from minority racial or ethnic groups working in newsrooms relative to the total population of newsroom employees. This statistic suggests that there is some level of diversity within newsrooms, with a significant portion of employees representing minority groups. This information is important for understanding the representation and inclusivity of diverse voices and perspectives within the media industry. It also highlights potential areas for improvement in terms of increasing diversity and ensuring equitable opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds in news organizations.

78% of Australians trust their news most of the time, down from 86% in 2020.

The statistic indicates that there has been a decrease in the level of trust Australians have in their news sources from 86% in 2020 to 78% currently. This decline suggests a potential shift in public perception towards the credibility and reliability of the news they consume. The reduction in trust could be influenced by various factors such as the rise of misinformation, polarisation of media outlets, or increasing scrutiny on the accuracy of news reporting. As a statistics expert, further analysis would be needed to explore the specific reasons behind this decline in trust and to understand the implications it may have on the media landscape and the general public’s perception of the news.

The public’s trust in traditional news sources has reached an all-time low in 2021, with less than half of Americans trusting traditional media for news.

The statistic indicates that in 2021, the level of trust that the public has in traditional news sources has hit an unprecedented low, with fewer than half of Americans placing their trust in these sources for news. This suggests a significant decline in confidence in the reliability and credibility of traditional media outlets. The decrease in trust could be attributed to factors such as misinformation, biased reporting, and the rise of alternative sources of information like social media. This trend may have far-reaching implications for the role of traditional news media in shaping public opinion and influencing societal discourse, highlighting the need for these outlets to rebuild trust and adapt to the changing media landscape to remain relevant and effective in the information age.

34% of journalists said their newsroom staff has gotten smaller in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The statistic indicates that 34% of journalists surveyed reported that their newsroom staff has decreased in size in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This suggests that a significant portion of news organizations have faced challenges such as layoffs, furloughs, or hiring freezes as a result of the economic impact of the pandemic. The reduction in newsroom staff could potentially impact the quality and quantity of news coverage, as fewer journalists may have to cover a wider range of topics with limited resources. Additionally, it highlights the broader implications of the pandemic on the media industry and its ability to fulfill its crucial role in informing the public during times of crisis.

There are 210 DMAs (designated market areas) in the United States (2021 data).

The statistic “There are 210 DMAs (designated market areas) in the United States (2021 data)” indicates that there are 210 distinct geographic regions within the United States that have been designated as unique markets for advertising and broadcasting purposes. These DMAs are used to define television and radio markets, allowing media companies to target specific regions with their content and advertising based on viewership and market characteristics. This statistic provides essential information for understanding the segmentation of media markets in the U.S. and can be valuable for marketers, advertisers, and media companies looking to reach specific audiences within the country.

59% of people in the UK get their news online.

The statistic ‘59% of people in the UK get their news online’ indicates that a majority of individuals residing in the UK consume news through online sources rather than traditional print or broadcast media. This suggests a significant shift in news consumption trends towards digital platforms, reflecting the increasing prevalence and accessibility of online news sources. The statistic implies that the internet has become a primary source for news consumption among UK residents, emphasizing the importance of digital media in shaping public discourse and information dissemination in today’s society.

Global spending on digital news reached $153 billion in 2019.

The statistic “Global spending on digital news reached $153 billion in 2019” indicates the total amount of money invested worldwide on digital news content during the year 2019. This figure encompasses a wide range of expenses related to the production, distribution, and consumption of digital news, including salaries of journalists, technology infrastructure, advertising costs, and subscriptions to online news sources. The substantial investment in digital news reflects the growing importance of online platforms as primary sources of information and the evolving landscape of journalism in the digital age. This statistic underscores the significant financial resources allocated to maintaining a robust and competitive digital news market on a global scale.

More than 25% of newspapers have experienced layoffs since the pandemic hit.

The statistic implies that a substantial proportion of newspapers, specifically more than 25% of them, have undergone layoffs since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This indicates a significant impact on the newspaper industry, likely due to factors such as declining advertising revenue, reduced circulation, and changing readership habits during the global health crisis. The layoffs could have implications for the quality and quantity of reporting, as well as the livelihood of journalists and media professionals involved. This statistic highlights the challenges faced by traditional print media in adapting to the changing landscape brought about by the pandemic.

73% of adults in the UK use BBC as a news source.

The statistic ‘73% of adults in the UK use BBC as a news source’ indicates the proportion of the adult population in the UK who rely on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) for their news consumption. This high percentage suggests that BBC is a dominant and popular choice for obtaining news and information among adults in the UK. It implies that BBC holds a significant share of the news market in the country, potentially influencing public opinion and providing a common source of information for a majority of the adult population. Future studies could further investigate the reasons behind the strong preference for BBC among UK adults and the potential impact of this widespread news source on society.

41% of European internet users read news websites or news apps.

This statistic indicates that 41% of internet users in Europe engage with news content by accessing news websites or news apps. This suggests a significant portion of the European online population actively consumes news content through digital platforms. The trend highlights the importance of these online news sources in keeping the European population informed and up-to-date on current events and developments. Furthermore, the statistic underscores the shift towards digital media consumption, indicating a growing reliance on the internet for accessing news content among European internet users.

52% of online news consumers worry about what is real and what is fake on the internet.

The statistic that 52% of online news consumers worry about discerning real information from fake information on the internet highlights a pervasive concern regarding the credibility and authenticity of online content. In an era where misinformation and fake news abound, this finding underscores the challenges faced by individuals navigating an increasingly complex digital landscape. Such concerns can have far-reaching implications for public discourse, trust in media sources, and democratic processes. It also underscores the importance of media literacy education to equip individuals with the critical thinking skills necessary to evaluate the information they encounter online.

20% of social media news consumers in the U.S. distrust most news on social media.

This statistic indicates that 20% of individuals who consume news through social media platforms in the United States have a high level of distrust towards most of the news they encounter on those platforms. This suggests that a notable portion of social media news consumers perceive the information shared on social media as unreliable or untrustworthy. This level of distrust may stem from various factors, such as concerns about fake news, biased reporting, or the spread of misinformation on social media platforms. Understanding and addressing these issues of trust and credibility in social media news sources is crucial for ensuring that individuals can access accurate and reliable information in today’s digital age.

60% of the people across 37 countries now avoid the news occasionally or often.

The statistic indicates that out of the total population of people from 37 different countries, approximately 60% of individuals report avoiding news either occasionally or frequently. This suggests a significant portion of the global population is choosing to disengage from news sources for various reasons. This trend may reflect a growing distrust in media, information overload, or a desire to protect one’s mental well-being by limiting exposure to potentially negative or overwhelming news stories. Understanding this statistic can help media outlets and researchers tailor their content and communication strategies to better engage and inform audiences in an evolving media landscape.

References

0. – https://www.www.journalism.org

1. – https://www.reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk

2. – https://www.www.ebu.ch

3. – https://www.www.abc.net.au

4. – https://www.www.edelman.com

5. – https://www.www.ofcom.org.uk

6. – https://www.www.statista.com

7. – https://www.www.prnewswire.com

8. – https://www.www.poynter.org

9. – https://www.mediatracks.com

10. – https://www.www.cision.com

11. – https://www.www.pewresearch.org

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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