Media usage in Russia - statistics & facts
Russia has one of the largest media audiences in the world. Both traditional and digital media are widely used, with the latter especially preferred by younger audiences. Within the total time that Russians spend online, one-fifth goes to watching videos and over 30 percent to social networks and messengers. Nevertheless, TV continues to be the most-used medium. The most popular TV channels are Russia-1, part of the state-owned All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company (VGTRK), and NTV, which captured 14 percent and nearly 10 percent of the audience in 2024, respectively.
Even though television continues to play a significant role in news dissemination, digital platforms are gaining ground among younger generations. As a result, more media outlets expand their social media presence and adjust their content to digital formats.
TV dominates news consumption, though the generational divide is stark
Television still dominates the media landscape, serving as the primary news source for nearly two-thirds of Russians. This preference is particularly pronounced among older generations, with 85 percent of those aged 55 years and older relying on TV for news. At the same time, social media are gaining traction, particularly among the younger population, with 38 percent of 18-to-24-year-olds primarily obtaining news from these platforms. This difference in preferences is reflected in the daily time spent on TV consumption, which ranges from approximately an hour among 12-to-17-year-olds to over six hours in the category of 65 years and older.Young Russians embrace digital news sources
Younger generations are increasingly turning to digital platforms for their news consumption, reflecting a generational shift in media preferences. A survey conducted in March 2024 revealed that four in ten Russians aged 18 to 24 primarily used online media publications for news, and the share of online newsreaders decreased with age. Interestingly, the level of trust in TV and social media news was the same among Russians in that age group, at over 30 percent. Telegram, highly popular among Gen Z and millennials, plays an increasing role in the media industry, as news is the most popular channel type on the platform.Print media consumption is declining
In 2023, newspaper circulation in Russia has hit its lowest point in the past decade, at approximately 3.5 million copies, which was around six million less than 10 years prior. Overall, the number of newspaper and magazine users is projected to continue decreasing and reach approximately 24 million in 2029. At the same time, e-publishing products, such as digital books, magazines, news platforms, and podcasts, have gained popularity among consumers and reached a penetration rate of over 70 percent in 2024.Even though television continues to play a significant role in news dissemination, digital platforms are gaining ground among younger generations. As a result, more media outlets expand their social media presence and adjust their content to digital formats.
