Staying informed remains a central part of daily life for many UK consumers, with new research revealing that 87% of respondents regularly read, watch, or listen to the news. This enduring interest comes despite growing concern about the nature and reliability of reporting, and it suggests that news consumption remains a deeply ingrained cultural habit.

The research sheds light on how people are adapting their habits in response to a rapidly evolving media environment shaped by digital innovation, polarised discourse, and shifting public trust. Notably, the appetite for current affairs continues to be strong, particularly among older audiences.

This article is based on the findings of research conducted in May 2025 on the TLF Panel. The online survey about news consumption and received 2,820 responses from UK based participants.

The Importance of News in Daily Life

For the majority of people in the UK, following the news is a deeply embedded routine. Over 75% of news followers engage with it daily, a statistic that climbs even higher among those aged 55 and over - half of this demographic consume news multiple times a day, compared to just 27% of those under 35. This generational gap reflects not only varying habits but also differing trust levels and engagement with platforms.

While older consumers tend to follow longstanding routines involving traditional news sources, younger audiences are more likely to engage via digital channels, social media, or podcasts, which can influence both the depth and framing of their exposure to current events.

The Reasons Behind News Avoidance

However, not all respondents are tuning in. A minority reported actively avoiding news, and the reasons for doing so follow two main themes: negativity and distrust.

One common concern is the overwhelmingly negative tone of reporting. Respondents expressed frustration at the lack of uplifting stories, with some citing the toll this has on their mental wellbeing. As one individual noted:

It is written with a negative focus—very few happy stories. It makes me anxious about things that may never happen.

This sentiment reflects broader public conversations about the psychological effects of “doomscrolling” and the need for more constructive journalism.

Alongside this, trust in media emerged as a significant issue. The impartiality and ownership of news organisations led many to question the credibility of the content. As another respondent shared:

I don't believe most of it. I certainly distrust the delivery.

This lack of trust is often shaped by perceived political bias, commercial interests, or misinformation - factors that continue to undermine confidence in traditional journalism.

How UK Consumers Engage With News

This research reveals clear patterns in how UK consumers engage with the news, with platform preference closely tied to age. The most popular method of accessing news overall is through online websites, used by 41% of respondents. Television remains the second most common source, used by 32%, followed by social media (12%), print newspapers (8%), and radio or podcasts (6%).

However, behind these overall figures lie distinct generational differences. Younger audiences -particularly those under the age of 35 - are far more digitally focused. A combined 68% of this age group consume their news via online websites or social media platforms. As age increases, this preference for digital sources declines. By contrast, only 25% of people aged 65 and over use online or social platforms for news, with traditional television news dominating their media habits.

One of the most striking findings is the behavioural shift that appears around the age of 45. Among those under 45, just 15% identify television as their primary source of news. This contrasts sharply with 43% of those over 45, suggesting a generational tipping point where consumers begin to move away from digital-first platforms and lean more heavily on broadcast media.

Trust and Platform Preferences

The BBC remains the UK most popular news outlet with a 62% of participants choosing it as their top choice. Followed by other traditional broadcasters such as ITV, Channel 4, and Sky, although these outlets have significantly smaller followings in comparison.

Money Saving Expert was an interesting addition to the list, with 19% of participants regularly engaging with the platform. Highlighting the growing trend of more niche news outlets focused on specific issues.

Trust plays a key role in where people choose to get their news. One in four respondents stated they don’t fully trust any single news outlet. Despite this, the mainstream broadcasters still carry weight in terms of credibility, with the BBC ranking as the UK’s most trusted source - 49% of respondents identified it as their top choice.

These preferences point to a lingering reliance on public service broadcasting, even as commercial platforms and independent creators gain traction among sceptical or younger audiences.

Younger Audiences Seek Balance

While older audiences tend to rely on a small number of familiar sources - typically three to four outlets - younger consumers are more exploratory. Respondents under 35 are far more likely to seek out ten or more sources, often in a bid to get a more balanced and nuanced view.

This approach reflects a growing scepticism and media literacy among younger audiences. As one participant explained:

I am sceptical, so I'm interested in trying to get a balanced view, but I am becoming more wary of 'spun' news & biased media channels.

Younger consumers also report using aggregators, social media, newsletters, and podcasts to diversify their intake - tools that reflect changing preferences and expectations around how information is delivered.

A Fragmented Yet Engaged News Audience

The findings highlight a diverse and shifting media landscape, with trust, tone, and platform diversity shaping how individuals engage with news. While concerns about negativity and bias are real and growing, the overwhelming majority of UK consumers remain committed to staying informed - albeit through increasingly varied and personalised means.

As the media industry continues to evolve, outlets may need to respond more effectively to demands for transparency, positivity, and balance to maintain and grow their audiences. This includes not just how stories are reported, but how they are delivered and contextualised in an age of information overload and growing polarisation.