Reuters Institute: Journalism, media, tech trends and predictions 2025
Authored by Nic Newman and Federica Cherubini this free-to-download report highlights the critical trends shaping journalism & media in 2025.
Reuters Institute's latest report covering Journalism, Media, and Technology Trends and Predictions doesn’t pull any punches, and lays bare the seismic shifts reshaping our industry. From the relentless march of AI, as well as the struggle to keep audiences engaged, this year promises to be a high-stakes game for anyone in news media. Buckle up—2025 is going to be a wild ride.
Key Takeaways (Thanks Andy E):
* Challenges in Journalism: Political polarisation, economic struggles, and attacks on press freedom continue to undermine journalism. Confidence among media leaders in journalism’s future has dropped significantly.
* AI Disruption: Generative AI is transforming newsrooms and audience experiences, with AI summarisation and chatbots altering how news is consumed. However, AI-driven platforms pose risks to traffic and revenue streams for publishers.
* Platform Dilemmas: Traditional platforms like Facebook and Twitter are losing relevance for publishers, while platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and AI platforms (e.g., OpenAI) are gaining focus.
* Subscription Growth: Digital subscriptions remain key revenue drivers, but growth rates are slowing. Publishers are diversifying income streams through events, memberships, and partnerships with tech platforms.
* The Rise of Influencers: Influencers and creator-led journalism are reshaping news consumption, with mixed implications for credibility and audience trust.
* New Product Innovation: Publishers are prioritising youth-oriented products, short-form video (especially for Gen Z & Gen Alpha), and bundling strategies to attract diverse audiences.
* Generational Shifts: Younger audiences gravitate towards non-traditional platforms and creators, forcing news organisations to rethink engagement and storytelling strategies.
Full report below:
