Digital Platforms Surpass TV as Main Political News Source in Brazil
A January 2026 survey shows digital media now leads TV as Brazilians' top political news source, signaling shifts ahead of elections.
- • 39% of Brazilians prefer digital platforms for political news, surpassing TV’s 34%.
- • Lulistas and non-Lulista left mostly see positive news about the Lula government.
- • 76% of Bolsonaristas perceive predominantly negative news about Lula’s administration.
- • Television remains relevant despite digital media’s rise, requiring diverse communication strategies.
Key details
A recent survey by Quaest reveals a major shift in how Brazilians consume political information. In January 2026, 39% of Brazilians preferred digital platforms such as social media for political news, surpassing television, which accounted for 34%. This is the first time digital media has overtaken TV since the survey series began in May 2024, reflecting the rapid evolution of Brazil’s media landscape.
The December 2025 poll had already shown a technical tie at 35% for both TV and digital sources. Political affiliations strongly influence perceptions of news: 62% of Lulistas and 54% of non-Lulista left-leaning individuals report mainly positive news about the Lula government. Conversely, 76% of Bolsonaristas see predominantly negative coverage, and Independents lean somewhat negative, with 45% perceiving more unfavorable news.
While digital media is gaining ascendancy, television remains a significant source for many voters, underscoring the need for political campaigns to tailor communication strategies to diverse media habits ahead of the 2026 elections. These findings highlight shifting dynamics in political information consumption and suggest new challenges and opportunities for engaging Brazil’s electorate.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
