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

JournalismPakistan.com | Published 6 years ago

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.

Dive Deeper

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: Pakistan’s journalism faces growing repression through intimidation, PECA cases, economic pressure, and enforced silences, raising urgent questions about press freedom.

Matiullah Jan calls out journalist unions over cozy ties with authorities

December 20, 2025: Senior journalist Matiullah Jan criticizes journalist union leadership at an Islamabad conference, calling for reform, youth inclusion, and a stronger collective response to Pakistan’s media crisis.

Newsroom

Court orders release of Turkish journalist pending appeal

December 29, 2025 Turkish appeals court orders the release of journalist Fatih Altayli pending appeal against his threat conviction, marking a key moment in Turkey’s press freedom environment.

Egyptian press honors excellence as media freedom questions persist

December 29, 2025 Egyptian journalist Ingy Abdel-Wahab won two honors at the 2025 Egyptian Press Awards, highlighting professional excellence while underscoring ongoing press freedom and editorial independence concerns in Egypt.

Afghanistan journalists face 205 media freedom violations in 2025

December 29, 2025 Afghanistan Journalists Center reports at least 205 media freedom violations in 2025, highlighting arrests, violence, threats, and censorship facing journalists under the current regime.

Bangladesh politicians allege state inaction in media attacks

December 29, 2025 Bangladeshi politicians allege state inaction over attacks on media houses, prompting press groups to demand accountability and stronger protections for journalists.

Journalists union says 76 reporters killed or wounded by Israeli forces

December 28, 2025 Palestinian Journalists Union says Israeli forces are silencing reporters through killings and injuries, raising urgent concerns over press freedom and safety in conflict zones.