Facebook, YouTube primary sources of news for 40 percent Pakistanis: survey

JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 19 December 2019

ISLAMABAD — Facebook and YouTube are the first choices for news for 40 percent of Pakistanis, according to a survey by Gilani Research Foundation.

Carried out by Gallup and Ghani Pakistan, the survey asked a representative sample of men and women across four provinces, “Which websites do you visit on the internet for news?”

In response, 20 percent of respondents each said they visit Facebook and YouTube for news, followed by 17 percent and 8 percent who visit the websites of Geo News and ARY News.

At least 5 percent of respondents said their first source of news is WhatsApp. Similarly, the website of Dunya News is the first choice for 5 percent of respondents.

Pakistan has more than 31 million Facebook users.

Explore Further

The most popular JournalismPakistan stories of 2025 explained

December 31, 2025: A year-end review of JournalismPakistan's five most popular stories of 2025, capturing controversies, media launches, sports psychology debates, and the revival of a slain journalist's digital legacy.

Family and team revive Arshad Sharif's YouTube channel

December 29, 2025: Arshad Sharif's YouTube channel has been revived by his family with support from longtime colleagues, aiming to preserve his legacy through memories and personal stories, not news.

Journalism is lost in Balochistan, Freedom Network study finds

December 28, 2025: A new Freedom Network report finds journalism in Balochistan under severe pressure, citing censorship, violence, economic decline, and digital isolation across Pakistan's largest province.

Journalists outraged over treatment of KP leaders in Punjab Assembly

December 27, 2025: Pakistani journalists condemn the treatment of a Khyber Pakhtunkhwa delegation at the Punjab Assembly, raising concerns over media ethics, inter-provincial respect, and political conduct.

10 reasons why journalism matters more in Pakistan in 2026

December 26, 2025: Despite rising threats and misinformation, journalism in Pakistan remains vital in 2026. Here are 10 reasons why independent reporting is crucial for public trust and accountability.

Media control at play on ARY News or a broadcast mishap

December 26, 2025: A video showing Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal briefly interrupted during a live ARY News interview has gone viral, prompting debate over media control and official clarifications.

Pakistani media in 2025 tested by layoffs, laws, and trust

December 25, 2025: An in-depth year-ender examining how Pakistani media navigated layoffs, legal pressure, censorship, and innovation in 2025, highlighting key reporting, risks, and what lies ahead.

Journalism at a crossroads as press freedom erodes in Pakistan

December 21, 2025: Pakistanâ€™s journalism faces growing repression through intimidation, PECA cases, economic pressure, and enforced silences, raising urgent questions about press freedom.

Newsroom

Security crackdowns during Iran protests hit independent media

January 01, 2026 Year-end protests and security crackdowns in Iran disrupted reporting by independent and citizen journalists, raising renewed concerns over press freedom and access to information.

Press freedom deteriorates in Nepal as violations triple in 2025

January 01, 2026 Press freedom violations in Nepal more than tripled in 2025, with 139 incidents affecting journalists and media outlets, highlighting impunity and growing risks to independent reporting.

Bangladesh sees 381 journalist abuse cases in 2025

January 01, 2026 Ain o Salish Kendra reports 381 cases of journalist abuse in Bangladesh in 2025, including attacks, threats, police involvement, and three reported killings.

China tightens press controls as moderate voices fall silent

December 31, 2025 China is intensifying its crackdown on press freedom, silencing even moderate voices and increasing risks for local and foreign journalists, according to a new report.

French inquiry targets state media neutrality before 2027 vote

December 31, 2025 A French parliamentary inquiry launched by the UDR party is examining neutrality, governance, and funding of state media as the country heads toward the 2027 presidential election.