Social media overtakes TV, news websites as Malaysians’ main source of news

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 — The way Malaysians consume news has undergone a significant shift, with social media emerging as the most widely used source of news, according to the 2026 Digital News Report by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism. Across the 48 markets studied, social media usage for news averaged 54 per cent, surpassing television at 52 per cent and news websites at 51 per cent.

This marks a notable decline for traditional sources, with news website usage dropping by 24 points and television usage falling by 18 points over the last decade. Print media experienced the steepest decline at 31 points. Radio usage remained relatively stable at 23 per cent. While social media continues to dominate news consumption, its role extends beyond being a source of news.

In 2026, 63 per cent of Malaysian respondents discovered news through social media, compared to 44 per cent through search engines and just 27 per cent visiting news websites and apps directly. This suggests that social media is not only a platform for consuming news but also a primary route for finding it. Over the past decade, video platforms have gained ground as well.

TikTok saw a surge from two per cent in 2019 to 45 per cent in 2026, while YouTube grew from 26 per cent to 41 per cent during the same period. These platforms are increasingly becoming key channels for Malaysians to find, watch, and share news. The changing platform mix also raises questions about the level of scrutiny users place on the news they consume.

A 2024 Internet Users Survey in Malaysia revealed that 61.5 per cent of internet users shared news, but the percentage of users checking the validity and reliability of the news source declined from 79.2 per cent to 70.7 per cent. Additionally, there is an increasing reliance on automated or platform-based fact-checking to combat the spread of misinformation, particularly political and health-related content.

News consumption habits vary by age and gender. Social media usage is widespread across all age groups, ranging from 65 to 71 per cent in 2026. However, the adoption of other news sources differs significantly. Older Malaysians (aged 55 and above) tend to rely more on traditional news sources such as websites, television, radio, and print, while younger Malaysians are more likely to engage with newer formats like AI chatbots and podcasts.

For instance, AI chatbot usage for news was highest among those aged 18 to 24 at 21 per cent, compared to just six per cent among those aged 45 and above. Similarly, podcast usage exhibited a similar trend, with younger respondents leading at 10 per cent. Gender differences are observed in news source usage, with women and men showing almost identical social media usage rates at 69 and 68 per cent respectively.

Yet, the gap is wider when it comes to news websites, where 48 per cent of men use it compared to 36 per cent of women. In contrast, AI chatbot usage for news showed a slightly higher usage rate among women at 12 per cent compared to men at 11 per cent. Podcast usage also displayed a noticeable divide, with 10 per cent of men and 6 per cent of women using it for news.

The Digital News Report highlights that the changing news landscape in Malaysia is not just about where news is consumed, but how it is discovered, shared, and encountered. Traditional news sources remain relevant, particularly among older demographics, while social platforms now play a crucial role in determining the initial reach of news.