A. Guttmann
Research Lead covering media
Media usage in Mexico - statistics & facts
Many options for the final user and a few big players: Mexico's multibillion-dollar media industry provides an ever-growing number of outlets and products for consumers across the country. Yet the sector remains mainly in the hands of a small number of conglomerates. The latest ranking of media and telecommunications companies in Mexico features multiple enterprises run by or in joint ventures with telco leviathan América Móvil or media giant Grupo Televisa. But there is still room for other thriving businesses. Neither of the corporations mentioned above made it to the top three most-trusted news brands in Mexico in 2024. An independent online publication Aristegui Noticias led this ranking, along with Canal 22, owned by Televisión Metropolitana, and CNN.
Entertainment in Mexico still relies on traditional media, such as TV and radio, but their usage is declining, albeit slower than in the neighboring United States, for example. Nonetheless, the future of media consumption is pivoting to digital sources in Mexico, similarly as it is it is all around the world.
Audiovisual media consumption in Mexico
Despite a slight decrease in its penetration rate throughout the past few years, TV continued to be key in Mexicans' media repertoire. Throughout the 21st century, more than nine out of 10 households in Mexico had a TV set. While broadcast TV continues to dominate the attention of Mexican viewers, streaming is the one video platform that has shown usage growth in early 2023. The most popular types of online video in Mexico include not only movies and series, but also music videos and educational content and tutorials. This suggests that video streaming services may bet on more than just fiction to stay ahead and on top of consumer demand in a highly competitive world of streaming providers.Reading in Mexico in decline
Be it books, magazines, newspapers, or even comics or online reading sources like blogs and forums – Mexicans are reading less and less. The data shows that the percentage of literate adults in Mexico who read any readable materials is on a sliding slope, with the latest figures remaining below 70 percent. It seems that lack of time is the main obstacle to reading, as the majority of adults in Mexico cite this as the main reason why they don’t read books. Motivation to read is the next biggest hindrance. When they do read, the choice of reading material differs according to gender. Books and magazines are more popular among women, while blogs/forums/websites, newspapers, and comics are more favored by men. Either way, the majority of readers in Mexico say they do so to entertain themselves or to learn something new.Entertainment in Mexico still relies on traditional media, such as TV and radio, but their usage is declining, albeit slower than in the neighboring United States, for example. Nonetheless, the future of media consumption is pivoting to digital sources in Mexico, similarly as it is it is all around the world.
