The year 2025 presents a complex and challenging environment for journalism. Political attacks, economic headwinds, and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) are forcing news organizations to adapt and innovate. This report summarizes key predictions and trends from the "Journalism and Technology Trends and Predictions 2025" report by Nic Newman and Federica Cherubini at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism.

AI: Disruptor and enabler

AI is rapidly transforming the news industry, offering opportunities and challenges. Publishers recognize AI's potential for automating tasks, creating content, and enhancing newsgathering. However, concerns remain about job displacement, ethical implications, and the potential erosion of trust in media.

• Newsroom integration of AI is crucial, with publishers urged to embrace AI tools and develop ethical guidelines.

• AI-powered assistance for journalists will enhance content quality and relevance.

• New roles and responsibilities will emerge to manage AI's impact on newsroom workflows and ethical standards.

Platform Shifts and the search for new gateways

The reliance on social media platforms for news distribution is declining. Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) continue to lose relevance for publishers, with referral traffic plummeting.

• Publishers are prioritizing direct channels like websites, apps, newsletters, and podcasts to build stronger audience relationships.

• WhatsApp and Instagram are emerging as valuable platforms for news engagement and community building.

• The role of alternative platforms like Threads and Bluesky is evolving as publishers seek new avenues for audience reach and engagement.

The evolving landscape of search and content discovery

AI is reshaping how people discover news. Search Generative Experiences (SGE) and AI-driven chatbots offer new ways to access information, raising concerns about the visibility of publisher content and the potential for further traffic declines.

• Copyright issues and content licensing agreements with AI platforms are a major focus for publishers.

• Concerns about equitable distribution of revenue from AI partnerships persist, with publishers advocating for collective agreements.

• The emergence of automated news services and AI aggregators poses existential questions about the role and value of journalism in the AI era.

The Rise of audio and video

The dominance of text-based articles is challenged by the growing popularity of audio and video formats. Publishers are investing in these formats to engage audiences and support subscription models.

• Video content, including short-form and vertical video, is a key area of focus for publishers seeking to reach younger audiences.

• Podcasts are evolving with a push for visual distribution and the emergence of paid models.

News fatigue and audience engagement

News avoidance and fatigue remain significant challenges for publishers. The constant barrage of negative news and the complexity of global events can lead to audience disengagement.

• Strategies to counter news fatigue include better explanation of complex stories, solutions-oriented journalism, and human-centered storytelling.

• Balancing the pursuit of audience attention with respect for people's time is crucial for building trust and engagement.

Adapting to new realities

The business side of journalism faces ongoing disruption. Advertising volatility, platform shifts, and the decline of print continue to put pressure on news organizations.

• Digital subscriptions and membership remain key revenue sources, but growth is slowing, prompting publishers to explore new product and pricing strategies.

• Diversification of revenue streams is essential, with publishers exploring events, e-commerce, and partnerships with platforms.

New interfaces and the future of news consumption

The rise of AI could lead to new ways of accessing news. Wearable devices, smart glasses, and AI assistants are predicted to reshape the digital landscape, potentially challenging the smartphone's dominance.

• Voice-activated devices and conversational interfaces are expected to gain traction, offering opportunities for news publishers to reach audiences in new ways.

• The potential of augmented and virtual reality for journalism is being explored, with publishers experimenting with immersive storytelling formats.

Important charts and tables

Conclusions

Journalism faces a turbulent landscape in 2025, with AI and platform shifts driving major changes. To thrive in this environment, news organizations must embrace innovation, adapt to new storytelling formats, and prioritize ethical AI implementation. Building closer relationships with audiences and delivering unique content and experiences will be crucial for success.

Download the full report here