Shifting News Habits: A Content Analysis of Digital News Consumption in India and Beyond

Abstract

Digital news consumption in India is growing rapidly, making the country one of the world’s largest online news markets. This research critically examines evolving patterns of digital news consumption in India, exploring how Indian audiences are adapting to the digital news environment, why these shifts are significant for the sustainability of journalism, and how India’s experience aligns with or diverges from global trends. The study employs a qualitative content analysis methodology, systematically interpreting secondary data derived from two recent, comprehensive survey-based reports on digital news: the 'Monetizing Digital News: Digital News Publishing in India (2024)' and the 'Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2025'. Thematic coding and cross-comparative analysis reveal core behavioural trends among Indian audiences. These include a significant shift toward mobile-first engagement, substantial platform fragmentation, widespread adoption of short-form text and video formats, and continued trust in legacy media institutions. The study employs an analytical framework to gain a deeper understanding of both structural and behavioural changes. It organises findings by factors such as platform dependency, engagement formats, trust and credibility, consumption diversification, and how the industry generates revenue. When compared with global data, the research shows that Indian audiences are similar to international trends in their use of shortform content and influencer-driven consumption. However, they trust traditional media houses more than digital news aggregators. Focusing on India's rapidly evolving digital news landscape, this study fills crucial knowledge gaps by examining how the large demographic scale, swift technological adoption, and convergence between traditional and new media platforms impact the sector. It highlights how audience behaviour and industry challenges influence trends in trust, platform dependency, and financial sustainability. This study will be beneficial to academics, policymakers, and media practitioners seeking to address structural vulnerabilities, enhance journalistic credibility, and foster innovative revenue models amid ongoing media fragmentation and regulatory instability.