A new survey of over 500 journalists has highlighted growing concerns about the state of Australian journalism, particularly in the face of rapid technological change and evolving news consumption habits.
With a federal election on the horizon, these issues take on even greater significance, as journalists navigate the impact of generative AI, social media fragmentation, and declining trust in the media.
The Medianet 2025 Media Landscape Report reveals that the majority of journalists (63%) have not yet used generative AI tools in their work. While adoption has increased slightly compared to last year, anxiety remains high—88% of respondents expressed concerns about AI’s impact on journalistic integrity, and 16% reported job losses due to its use. The percentage of those who are ‘extremely concerned’ about AI’s effects has doubled since 2023.
Disinformation and ‘fake news’ remain the biggest perceived threats to public interest journalism, followed closely by the risk of media outlet closures. Nearly half of respondents also see AI as a threat, raising questions about the future of independent reporting and editorial oversight.
Social Media’s Double-Edged Sword
Social media plays a complex role in modern journalism. While 70% of journalists use it as a story source, 67% believe it fuels misinformation and echo chambers. Facebook remains the most popular platform for professional use, followed by Instagram and LinkedIn. However, X (formerly Twitter) has seen a sharp decline in usage, dropping from 69% in 2022 to just 48% in 2024. Meanwhile, Bluesky is gaining traction, now used by 19% of journalists.
Read also: RMIT report finds growing concerns over AI in journalism
Despite its challenges, public relations continues to be an important resource for journalists. Press releases remain the second most-used story source, relied on by 83% of respondents. Most journalists receive them directly via email, but 36% said they would reject a press release due to lack of news value, and 27% cited lack of relevance as a reason to dismiss one.
Trust and the Future of Journalism
Trust in the media is declining, with fragmentation and misinformation cited as key reasons. More than a quarter (28%) of journalists believe their own reporting is not free of bias, with community media professionals the most likely to acknowledge bias in their work. Additionally, nearly 20% of respondents reported facing negative repercussions for expressing personal views in their reporting.
Financial uncertainty remains the most pressing concern for journalists. Two-thirds of respondents believe they are underpaid, and city-based journalists continue to earn significantly more than their regional counterparts. Amid these challenges, many are seeking alternative platforms such as Substack to supplement their income and share opinions more freely.
As the media landscape continues to shift, journalists are adapting to new technologies and changing audience behaviours. However, the fundamental challenges of trust, financial stability, and editorial independence remain at the core of the industry’s future.
Adrianne Saplagio is a Content Producer at Comms Room, where she combines her passion for storytelling with her expertise in multimedia content creation. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for engaging audiences, Adrianne has been instrumental in crafting compelling narratives that resonate across various digital platforms.
