Social media and video now the primary news sources globally Trust in news drops to a historic low of 37%, with Americans trusting only 25% News organisations face the challenge of rebuilding trust amidst AI content proliferation Forget the World Cup, for news nerds this week has brought unbridled excitement – and the need for a few hydration breaks, no doubt – after the publication of the Reuters Institute’s Digital News Report 2026. The headlines were all about social media and video (54%) overtaking traditional news sites (51%) as the source of news for a majority of people worldwide. It’s…

AI now accounts for 10% of revenue, with projections of over 60% growth in AI and Studio divisions The company expands in North America and integrates international brands, reaching half of the UK audience New strategic investments and creator-led content fuel sustained growth amid a strong digital advertising market Independent Media has reported a strong first half to its financial year, saying artificial intelligence now accounts for 10% of total revenue as the publisher deepens its push into automation, creator-led video and podcasts, and overseas growth. The UK-based group said revenue from both its AI activity and its Studio division…

Expert warns news industry is still writing as if it’s 1957 Discussions highlight challenges of mobile storytelling and atomisation of news Questions remain about verification, funding, and brands in an AI-driven news future “We are still writing like it’s 1957” was the blunt assessment of Mario Garcia, speaking earlier this month at WAN-IFRA World News Media Congress in Marseille. You might dismiss this as hyperbole from some, but Garcia, the Columbia University journalism school legend, is in a better position than most to judge. At 79 years old, he was one of the few delegates – perhaps he was…

Over half of global news consumers now turn to social media and video networks, surpassing traditional news websites Video consumption on platforms like TikTok, YouTube and Instagram surges, while trust in news declines Artificial intelligence begins transforming news engagement, especially among younger audiences Social media and video networks have surpassed traditional news websites and apps as the primary way people consume news globally, according to the Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2026, which was published this week. The annual report, based on surveys across 48 markets, paints a picture of a news ecosystem facing escalating volatility and a profound transformation…

UK government aims to restrict social media access for under-16s by spring 2027 Moves to curb risky features like livestreaming and stranger contact Experts highlight challenges of enforcement and broader public health strategies The UK government has confirmed plans to bar social media platforms from offering services to under-16s, in a move ministers say is designed to give children more protection from harmful content and excessive screen time. According to the announcement, the restrictions will apply to “user-to-user platforms” that are built around social interaction and algorithmic feeds. In practice, that brings services such as Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook…

Former National World executives introduce Profenx, blending AI tools with creator-led content Company develops a platform to enhance digital content economics and expand through licensing and acquisitions Backed by Jaipur Capital, Profenx aims to reshape publishing with innovative models across global markets A group of former National World executives has launched Profenx, a new media technology company that aims to combine AI-driven publishing tools with creator-led content businesses. The launch comes as publishers grapple with declining search traffic, pressure on advertising revenues and the rapid growth of independent creators. Profenx is positioning itself between those worlds, arguing that established publishers’…

Bezos defends the profitability of journalism as a measure of relevance Changes in Google search algorithms threaten traditional news revenue To succeed, news organisations must focus on delivering value and distinctive reporting Jeff Bezos sometimes makes agreeing with him very difficult. This was the case earlier this week when he said in an interview with CNBC that President Donald Trump was “more mature” in his second term than his first and that Amazon’s commission of the Melania documentary was in no way whatsoever an attempt at “buying influence”. It is profoundly depressing that one of the features of this…

News organisations are recognising the value of individual journalists as brands Traditional anonymity at outlets like The Economist is giving way to increased visibility Embracing star talent can strengthen publishers’ positions and combat talent poaching A friend of mine was, 20 years ago, something of a news media visionary. It wasn’t something he set out to do – he’s a corporate lawyer by trade. He was a committed newspaper consumer, someone who took a competitive, almost athletic pride in how quickly he could devour a morning edition, skimming the main stories and then picking off the columnists he liked.…

Examines the American focus on prestigious awards over reader needs Critiques the biased and inward-looking nature of the Pulitzers Argues that abolition could renew journalism’s relevance to the public The difference between American and British journalism is clear in what they choose to display in their newsrooms. Visit any large US newspaper’s offices and you will see a “wall of fame” that commemorates its winners of Pulitzers and other journalism awards. Visit any UK newsroom and you’ll see nothing like that. Indeed, when I worked at The Times the displays on the walls had a slightly different tenor. Among…

Byron Allen’s family office to acquire a controlling stake in BuzzFeed for $120 million The deal includes a shift in leadership and a focus on AI and user-generated content BuzzFeed aims to reinvent itself amid declining revenues and a disrupted digital landscape BuzzFeed has struck a deal to hand control of the company to media entrepreneur Byron Allen in a $120 million transaction that could reshape the troubled digital publisher’s future. According to a filing and company announcement on Monday, Allen Family Digital, the family office affiliate of Allen, will buy 40 million new Class A shares at $3 each.…