European News-Media Sector Undergoes Profound Digital Transformation, Council of Europe Report Reveals
Strasbourg, December 19, 2025 — The European news-media landscape is experiencing sweeping changes driven by rapid advancements in digital technology, according to a comprehensive new report released today by the European Audiovisual Observatory, a branch of the Council of Europe.
Titled News media, pluralism and journalism in the digital age, the report brings together insights from twelve leading experts to analyze how technological innovation, shifting market forces, and evolving regulatory frameworks are reshaping journalism and media pluralism across Europe.
From Traditional Media to Digital Ecosystems
The study traces the transition from conventional print and broadcast journalism toward dynamic digital ecosystems. In these new environments, social media platforms, algorithmically curated content, and artificial intelligence-powered recommendation systems dominate information delivery. These tools have expanded public access to news and enabled novel forms of audience engagement.
However, the report also highlights significant challenges associated with this digital revolution. It points to the proliferation of misinformation, the creation of echo chambers through "filter bubbles," and increasing digital divides that impair equitable access to reliable information. These trends are fundamentally altering established concepts of trust, credibility, and accountability in the news-media sector.
Market Dynamics and Media Pluralism at Risk
The report delves into how digital technologies have disrupted traditional market models for news media, intensifying competition and driving consolidation—often at the expense of diversity in media ownership. It underscores that no European country is currently free from risks to media pluralism, a cornerstone of democratic societies.
A healthy plurality of information sources, the authors argue, is essential to protect rights to freedom of expression, guarantee fair elections, and foster informed public debate. The study stresses the importance of editorial independence, transparency in media ownership, and accountability mechanisms to uphold these democratic values.
Editorial Freedom, Journalists’ Safety, and Emerging Challenges
Political influences increasingly threaten editorial freedom throughout Europe, the report warns. Against this backdrop, journalists face mounting pressures including shrinking resources, deteriorating working conditions, and heightened risks to their safety—particularly in the niche of investigative sports journalism, which the study identifies as especially vulnerable.
The integration of artificial intelligence into journalism presents both promising opportunities and potential societal risks. While AI can enhance reporting capabilities and content personalization, it also raises complex ethical and practical concerns about misinformation, bias, and the role of human oversight.
Navigating the Digital Future
The News media, pluralism and journalism in the digital age report serves as a crucial roadmap for policymakers, media professionals, and civil society. It aims to guide efforts to reinforce the resilience of European news media amidst accelerating digital transformation, emphasizing that protecting pluralism and safeguarding journalists are vital to sustaining democracy.
The full report is available for download on the European Audiovisual Observatory’s website.
Contact:
Council of Europe, European Audiovisual Observatory
Avenue de l’Europe, F-67075 Strasbourg Cedex, France
Tel: +33 (0)3 88 41 20 00
Website: www.coe.int
This article is based on information released by the Council of Europe on December 19, 2025.
