Younger Australians are increasingly prepared to pay for trusted news sources, even as concerns mount over the growing role of artificial intelligence in the media landscape.

New findings from the Digital News Report Australia 2026, released by the University of Canberra's News and Media Research Centre, show that Australians aged 25 to 34 are leading the shift towards paid news subscriptions, challenging long-held assumptions that younger audiences are unwilling to pay for journalism.

According to the report, 41 per cent of Australians aged 25 to 34 now pay for news, significantly higher than subscription rates among older generations. The findings suggest younger consumers increasingly recognise the value of reliable information at a time when misinformation and digitally generated content are becoming more widespread.

At the same time, trust in news delivered through AI chatbots and automated systems remains notably low. The study found that while audiences generally trust the news outlets they personally choose to follow, confidence drops sharply when information is sourced from social media platforms or artificial intelligence tools. Australians reported 54 per cent trust in "my news", compared with just 21 per cent for news on social media and 19 per cent for news obtained through AI chatbots.

The findings emerge as AI increasingly becomes part of everyday life, with some consumers beginning to use tools such as Chat GPT and other generative AI platforms to summarise stories, answer questions and explain current events. However, many Australians remain cautious about relying on these technologies as primary news sources.

Separate national research has highlighted broader concerns surrounding artificial intelligence. Surveys have shown Australians rank among the world's most sceptical populations regarding AI, with issues such as accuracy, privacy and transparency contributing to low levels of public confidence.

Despite concerns about emerging technologies, overall interest in news appears to be strengthening among younger audiences. The University of Canberra report found that heavy news consumption among Australians aged 18 to 24 had increased significantly, reversing trends of disengagement seen in previous years. Younger people are also increasingly seeking news through digital platforms, newsletters, podcasts and social-first publishers designed to present information in accessible formats.

Researchers suggest the willingness of younger Australians to financially support journalism may reflect a growing appreciation for credible reporting amid an increasingly crowded and complex information environment.

The report also found that many Australians prefer news organisations that maintain editorial independence and impartiality, rather than those that reinforce pre-existing views. This preference may further explain why audiences continue to place greater trust in established news brands than in algorithm-driven content or AI-generated summaries.

As news consumption habits continue to evolve, the findings offer an encouraging sign for the journalism industry. While traditional print readership continues to decline, younger Australians appear willing to invest in trusted reporting they consider valuable and reliable.

At the same time, the results underscore the challenges facing technology companies as they seek to build public confidence in AI-powered information tools.