Americans’ news Habits Increasingly Online, But TV Still Dominates: A New Pew Research Center Report
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Published: November 16, 2023 | Author: emmawalker, World-Today-News.com
Washington D.C.- A newly released report from the Pew Research Center reveals a continuing shift in how Americans consume news, with a growing reliance on online sources. However, despite the digital surge, local television remains the most frequently cited news source for many, particularly older adults. The study, conducted between September 12 and September 18, 2023, with a sample of 5,858 U.S. adults, highlights a complex media landscape where traditional and digital platforms coexist.
The report indicates that 49% of Americans say they get news from digital sources “frequently enough,” including websites, social media, and news apps. This represents a significant increase from 2016, when only 38% reported frequent digital news consumption. Social media platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) continue to be popular avenues for news discovery, although trust in news found on these platforms remains relatively low. Notably, 36% of U.S. adults report getting news from YouTube, a 12-percentage-point increase since 2020.
despite the rise of digital, television remains a dominant force. Around 60% of Americans report getting news from local TV “frequently enough” or “sometimes,” making it the most frequently cited news source overall. This figure is particularly high among those aged 65 and older, with 78% relying on local television for news. Cable news networks, such as Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC, also continue to attract a ample audience, though viewership has become increasingly polarized along political lines.
The study also examined the role of radio and print newspapers. Radio news consumption has remained relatively stable, with around 25% of Americans reporting getting news from radio “often” or “sometimes.” Print newspaper readership continues to decline,with only 16% of adults regularly reading a physical newspaper. however, digital newspaper subscriptions are on the rise, suggesting a willingness to pay for quality journalism online.
Monica Anderson, Director of Internet and Technology Research at Pew Research Center, emphasized the evolving nature of the news ecosystem. “Americans are increasingly turning to a variety of sources for their news, and the lines between traditional and digital platforms are becoming increasingly blurred,” Anderson stated. “This presents both opportunities and challenges for news organizations and policymakers alike.”
Background and Ancient Trends
The shift towards online news consumption is part of a broader trend that began in the early 2000s with the proliferation of the internet and the rise of online news websites. Prior to this, television and print newspapers were the dominant sources of news for most Americans. The introduction of 24-hour cable news networks in the 1980s and 1990s further fragmented the media landscape, offering viewers a wider range of perspectives and coverage. The advent of social media in the 2010s accelerated the pace of change, allowing news to spread rapidly and bypassing traditional gatekeepers. This has led to concerns about the spread of misinformation and the erosion of trust in traditional media institutions. The Pew Research Center has been tracking these trends for over two decades, providing valuable insights into the evolving media habits of Americans.
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