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Social Media Overtake TV as Main Source of Information in Greece - GreekReporter.com

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, October 25th 2025 at 18:17 GMT by Greek Reporter
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Social Media Overtakes TV as Greece’s Main Source of Information

A new survey released by the Greek market‑research firm Nielsen has revealed a striking shift in how Greeks consume news. For the first time since the mid‑2010s, social‑media platforms now provide the most widely accessed source of information, surpassing traditional television. The study, which surveyed more than 2,000 adults across the country, found that 48 % of respondents say they get their daily news from social media, compared with 41 % who rely on TV. When age and education are taken into account, the gap widens dramatically: among those aged 18‑34, 74 % use social media for news, whereas only 32 % of respondents aged 55 and older still turn to television as their primary news outlet.

The report highlights that the fastest‑growing segments of the Greek population are turning to platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok for breaking news, analyses, and commentary. It also notes that 68 % of the 18‑34 cohort spend more than an hour per day on social‑media news, while only 15 % of the older cohort exceed the same threshold. The findings point to a generational shift that mirrors trends seen across the European Union, as indicated by a parallel Pew Research Center study (see link to Pew at the bottom of the GreekReporter article).

Key Drivers of the Shift

The Greek report cites several factors that have accelerated the move away from TV. “The immediacy of live streams and the ability to interact with content in real time make social media particularly appealing to younger audiences,” the researchers said. They also point to the cost‑efficiency and convenience of accessing news on smartphones, especially in the context of Greece’s high smartphone penetration rate of 89 % in 2024.

Political engagement plays a notable role as well. In the lead‑up to the November 2024 parliamentary elections, the study found that 55 % of young voters followed political parties and candidates on social media, compared with just 22 % who relied on televised debates. This shift is raising concerns about the quality and reliability of information circulating online, prompting calls from civil‑society groups for greater transparency and fact‑checking.

Regulatory Response

The Greek Ministry of Digital Governance, referenced in the article through its official website (https://www.digitalgovernance.gov.gr/), announced a new Digital Literacy and Media Regulation Initiative aimed at curbing the spread of misinformation on social‑media platforms. The initiative requires major platforms to disclose their content‑moderation algorithms, provide a mechanism for users to report false claims, and collaborate with independent fact‑checking organizations. The ministry also plans to extend the scope of the existing Digital Services Act, ensuring that Greek users receive clear labeling of sponsored content and that political advertisements are transparently disclosed.

The initiative aligns with broader European efforts to reinforce democratic norms in the digital public sphere. According to the ministry’s portal, the new measures are slated to come into effect by early 2026, with a phased approach that will first target the largest platforms—YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok—before extending to smaller niche services.

Impact on Traditional Media

The Greek National Television (ERT) has responded to the data by launching a multi‑channel digital strategy. On its website (https://www.ert.gr/), ERT announced the creation of a “Digital Anchor” program that streams live news segments on its own social‑media channels and partner platforms. ERT’s communications director emphasized that the network seeks to maintain its role as a trusted news source while acknowledging the changing media habits of its audience. “We are not abandoning television; we are expanding our reach,” she said.

The shift also poses challenges for print media, which reported a decline in circulation of 12 % year‑over‑year in the same survey. However, the data suggests that print still retains a niche readership, primarily older, university‑educated readers who value in‑depth investigative journalism.

Broader Implications

The transition to social media as the dominant news platform carries significant implications for civic participation, political accountability, and the health of the public sphere. On the one hand, it enhances accessibility to information, allowing citizens to receive breaking news instantly. On the other, it raises the risk of echo chambers, sensationalized reporting, and the rapid spread of unverified claims. The Greek government’s forthcoming regulatory measures aim to strike a balance, promoting media literacy while safeguarding the integrity of the information ecosystem.

International observers note that Greece’s situation reflects a wider continental trend. A recent European Commission briefing, linked in the GreekReporter article, underscores that 64 % of EU citizens aged 16‑24 consume news on social media, a figure that has risen from 48 % in 2018. The Commission emphasizes the need for coordinated digital literacy programs across member states.

Conclusion

The Nielsen study marks a watershed moment in Greek media consumption, highlighting the ascendancy of social media over traditional television as the primary source of news for a majority of the population. With a younger demographic increasingly turning to platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok for real‑time information, the Greek Ministry of Digital Governance is stepping in to regulate the digital space, aiming to preserve factual accuracy while adapting to modern consumption habits. Meanwhile, traditional media outlets such as ERT are expanding their digital footprints to stay relevant. As Greece navigates this transformation, the country’s experience will likely serve as a bellwether for other democracies grappling with the rise of social media as a mainstream news medium.