Fact Check: Digital access to news is increasingly popular worldwide.

Fact Check: "Digital access to news is increasingly popular worldwide."

What We Know

The claim that "digital access to news is increasingly popular worldwide" is supported by various findings in the 2025 Digital News Report. The report indicates a significant shift in how people consume news, with growing reliance on social media and video platforms. For instance, engagement with traditional media sources like TV and print is declining, while platforms such as Facebook and YouTube are increasingly used for news, with 36% and 30% of global users accessing news through these platforms weekly, respectively. Additionally, the report notes that the number of online networks providing news content has increased, indicating a fragmentation of news consumption across multiple digital platforms.

However, the report also highlights a troubling trend: while digital access is growing, trust in traditional news sources is waning, and many individuals are selectively avoiding news altogether. This suggests that while digital access is increasing, it does not necessarily equate to a healthier news consumption environment. The report also emphasizes that the popularity of news consumption varies significantly across different regions and demographics, with younger audiences gravitating towards influencers and personalities for news rather than traditional journalism (source-3).

Analysis

The evidence presented in the 2025 Digital News Report provides a nuanced view of the claim. On one hand, the data supports the assertion that digital access to news is on the rise, as indicated by the increasing use of social media and video platforms for news consumption. The report notes that the proportion of individuals consuming news via social video has risen from 52% in 2020 to 65% in 2025, showcasing a clear trend towards digital formats (source-6).

On the other hand, the report raises critical concerns about the implications of this shift. The decline in trust towards traditional media and the rise of alternative media sources, including influencers and podcasters, suggest a fragmentation of the news landscape that may not be beneficial for informed public discourse. The report warns that this trend could contribute to rising political polarization and a coarsening of online debates, as audiences increasingly turn to partisan sources that align with their views (source-1).

Moreover, the credibility of the sources used in this analysis is strong. The Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism is a reputable organization known for its comprehensive studies on media and journalism, and the data is derived from a large sample size across multiple countries, enhancing its reliability.

Conclusion

The verdict on the claim that "digital access to news is increasingly popular worldwide" is Partially True. While there is clear evidence of rising digital access and consumption of news through various platforms, this trend is accompanied by significant challenges, including declining trust in traditional media and the rise of fragmented, often partisan news sources. Thus, while digital access is indeed growing, the overall health of the news consumption landscape remains in question.