SBS News ranked among Australia’s most trusted news providers — SBS has been recognised as one of Australia’s most trusted sources of news, ranking equal first alongside the ABC in the 2026 Reuters Digital News Report.
According to the report, trust in SBS News has climbed to 66%, representing an increase of seven percentage points year-on-year and placing the public broadcaster level with the ABC among Australian news organisations.
The findings come as SBS News continues to expand its digital footprint, with SBS News website page views increasing by 18% year-on-year, while third-party video views have surged 78% over the same period.
Younger audiences embracing public service media
The Reuters report also found that Australians increasingly recognise the value of public service journalism, with 49% believing it has a positive impact on life in Australia, well above the global average of 36%. Among Australians aged 25 to 34, that figure rises to 68%.
Engagement among younger audiences has also grown significantly, with usage of public service media increasing from 43% to 54% among 18 to 24-year-olds between 2022 and 2026. Among those aged 25 to 34, usage rose from 47% to 51%.
Respondents identified universal access, trustworthy reporting, diverse perspectives, high-quality journalism and freedom from commercial or political influence as key reasons for their support of public service media.
SBS highlights importance of trusted journalism
SBS Managing Director Jane Palfreyman said the results reflected the ongoing work of SBS journalists and editorial teams.
“Trust is earned through rigorous reporting, editorial independence and a commitment to serving audiences with accuracy, impartiality and balance.
“This recognition reflects the dedication of SBS journalists and teams across the organisation who work every day to inform Australians, tell diverse stories and help audiences make sense of the issues shaping our world.”
SBS Director of News Mandi Wicks said the findings were particularly encouraging given the increasing challenge posed by misinformation and disinformation.
“In an era where misinformation and disinformation can spread rapidly, trusted journalism has never been more important.
“Our role is to provide independent reporting, impartial analysis and a diversity of perspectives that help Australians stay informed and connected.”
As Australia’s multicultural and multilingual public broadcaster, SBS delivers news and current affairs programming across television, audio and digital platforms in more than 60 languages. Its news offering includes SBS World News and NITV News, Australia’s only national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander television news service.
The 2026 Reuters Digital News Report is coordinated by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford, with the University of Canberra’s News and Media Research Centre serving as the Australian partner institution.
Link to SBS on Demand HERE
TV Central SBS content HERE
SBS News ranked among Australia’s most trusted news providers
