ITV News’ Post

The digital news industry is experiencing an unprecedented transformation in how readers discover and consume content. Recent data reveals a stark decline in traffic across major news outlets, with both search and social media referrals showing concerning downward trends since June 2022. This shift signals a fundamental change in the digital media landscape that goes beyond typical market fluctuations. 𝐀𝐈-𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 The rise of AI-powered search and content generation has transformed how people consume information. Instead of clicking through to full articles, users increasingly get instant answers directly from search results or AI assistants, making traditional news websites less necessary for basic information gathering. 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐄𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 Social media platforms have strategically pivoted away from news content, prioritizing entertainment and user-generated content while modifying algorithms to favor personal connections and in-platform engagement over external links. 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐔𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐫 Modern digital consumers demonstrate a clear shift toward bite-sized, digestible content, showing decreased appetite for longer-form journalism and complex news stories. This behavioral change reflects a broader transformation in how information is consumed in the digital age. 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 This transformation has created a challenging economic environment where traditional advertising models are becoming less viable, forcing news organizations to rethink their revenue strategies and content delivery methods. The industry must now navigate a landscape where quality journalism faces increasing pressure from both technological disruption and changing consumer preferences. The future of news media likely lies in developing unique, high-value content that AI cannot replicate, while building direct relationships with readers who value in-depth, investigative journalism. This isn't just a temporary trend but a fundamental restructuring of how information is discovered, consumed, and monetized in the digital age. #newsmedia

The algorithms are predatory.

Google is now a final destination. Social platforms have down-weighted news as they found new ways to keep users on-platform instead of referring them out. Today Google answers most search queries on the results page - more so with AI which means click-through is no longer necessary. The challenge is convincing volume publishers to play a different game where the premium is on earned media coverage — it is slower, in depth reporting and more expensive to deliver while being far more valuable to readers. Always liked real reporting and connecting with the reporter - hangover from my ZDNET reporting days.

Facts vs. opinion: Can you recognize the difference in the news you consume? Media Bias Chart breaks down the difference, using examples from online news and cable TV. By: Beth Heldebrandt https://lnkd.in/g2jKAhDH

🚨 Deepfake Scams Are on the Rise: Why Authenticity Matters 🚨 The recent warning from #ITV about scammers impersonating Coronation Street and Emmerdale actors highlights just how sophisticated online scams have become. Deepfake technology is being used to mimic cast members, tricking fans into paying for fake meet-and-greets and personal messages. At 2mee, we understand how crucial authenticity is in today’s digital world. That’s why our platform is designed to put real human faces at the center of your messaging. With 2mee, brands and organisations can connect directly with their audience through verified, trusted messages, ensuring that your voice is real and your communication is safe from manipulation. This incident is a powerful reminder of why brands need to prioritise secure, genuine connections with their audience. Have concerns about protecting your audience or ensuring authentic communication? Let’s talk! 👇 #Authenticity #Trust #DigitalEngagement #2mee https://lnkd.in/ebCf_UU8

Facts vs. opinion: Can you tell the difference when you're reading/watching/listening to the news? Personally, I choose news sources that give me the facts. I prefer to form my own opinions. https://lnkd.in/ePv99wDE

🚨 Deepfake Scams Are on the Rise: Why Authenticity Matters 🚨 2mee is paving the way for secure, authentic communication—because trust isn’t just important, it’s essential in a world where deepfake scams are growing. Every message we send is verified by the brand, ensuring customers can have complete confidence in the authenticity of the communication. 💡

The news (that was bound to happen at some point): Social media just overtook TV as the UK's top news source. With 71% of adults turning to the internet for their news, we’re in the thick of the digital era. One concern: social media’s speed comes at the cost of accuracy and online conspiracies affecting investigations, and the rise of deepfakes adds a whole new layer of concern. Distinguishing fact from fiction is becoming harder than ever. I have to say, I do use social media platforms for additional video content around news, but do you think moving towards social media-only news is something we will see? 🗞 #news #socialmedia #deepfakes

This weekend, I watched BBC/ Rogan Productions powerful documentary about the disappearance of Nicola Bulley. https://lnkd.in/eXkvTaKU It not only showcased the emotional trauma of the families experience of searching for their beloved Nicola, but it highlighted a bigger and more pressing factor; the spreading of misinformation, conspiracies and false narratives through social media. I found it deeply deeply disturbing, concerning and bewildering. For me, I cannot fathom how 'influencers' and 'content makers' can use such a traumatic and terrifying life event, one of which they have no direct or full understanding around, to conjure up theories for clicks, likes and monetising opportunities. It also shows the storm in which it added to the police's own investigation. I can understand analysing a situation and questioning what could have happened, out of curiosity I do this myself, but taking these loose and speculative thoughts and then putting it out into the world as entertainment is a rising and dangerous trait. It also brings to mind the recent Jay Slater. It began as a positive; simply building awareness, a sense of hope and somewhat needed pressure on the police to keep searching. However, it then snowballed into a web of online lies and even more traumatic experiences for an already broken family. It's why I believe it's more important than ever that children and adults alike need to be given practical tools, media literacy knowledge, ethical boundaries and emotional intelligence skills to really understand the ramifications of acting on often selfish and narrow minded choices. I also feel there needs to be implications to taking such actions. Accountability, Responsibility and Education. They need to understand how their online actions do have consequences in the real world. Imagine, just for a second, of being in their shoes. I would not to wish it upon anyone, yet that was their real life nightmare that will be forever etched within their experience. And then there is the children involved who have lost their mum in such a cruel and random fate for the whole world to theorise and use as entertainment. Where are the boundaries? What can be changed? How can we best educate on ethical use of social media? Does the responsibility lay with the individuals or do the platforms also hold responsibilities for allowing such content? How can we regulate such content? The documentary was really thought-provoking, it made me write this post, and it is unfortunate that stories like these are what I feel should be showcased within schools, to really show from a personal perspective about the ramifications of social media conspiracies and the spreading of misinformation. #documentary #nicolabulley #bbc #socialmedia #contentmakers #influencers #digitalliteracy #experiences #misinformation #dangers #regulation #ethics

In a significant development within late-night television, Fox News host Greg Gutfeld has surpassed Stephen Colbert in viewership ratings, marking a notable shift in the landscape of late-night programming. Gutfeld’s show, “Gutfeld!”, has consistently attracted a growing audience, blending humor with conservative political commentary. This surge in popularity has led to “Gutfeld!” outperforming “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” in total viewership on multiple occasions. This trend underscores a broader shift in audience preferences, with viewers increasingly gravitating towards content that aligns with their political perspectives. Gutfeld’s success reflects a demand for alternative viewpoints in late-night television, challenging the traditional dominance of more liberal-leaning hosts. The competition between “Gutfeld!” and “The Late Show” highlights the evolving dynamics of late-night TV, where diverse voices and formats are reshaping the genre. As the media landscape continues to evolve, the rise of “Gutfeld!” signifies a pivotal moment in late-night television, illustrating the impact of political alignment on audience engagement and the shifting preferences of viewers seeking content that resonates with their viewpoints.