Social Media Surpasses Print as Primary News Source in US 2025 Report

Social media has become the dominant source of news for Americans in 2025, surpassing print and even television, with 54% of respondents using social platforms for news compared to only 14% for print, according to the Reuters Institute Digital News Report. The rise of alternative media such as podcasts, TikTok, and YouTube, alongside emerging AI news sources used by 7% of respondents, has raised concerns about misinformation and trust, which remains stable but moderate at around 40% for national media. Meanwhile, local journalism faces significant challenges, prompting calls from Canadian media managers for governmental support through tax credits, grants, and operational funding to sustain community news outlets and combat news deserts, especially in underserved and marginalized areas. Research indicates that local newspapers disproportionately survive in affluent, predominantly white communities due to advertising revenue, while poorer and more diverse communities lose their local news sources, exacerbating inequality and reducing accountability. As local news faces decline, editors of community newspapers, such as the Mountain View Voice, emphasize their commitment to fair and thorough coverage that reflects the diversity of their communities. These developments highlight a media landscape in flux, with the need to balance innovation and financial viability while maintaining journalistic integrity and local accountability.