Americans are becoming more cautious about the news media and looking for other sources to fill their need to know.
A new, two-part survey by Pew Research Center, conducted in early 2016 reveals a public that is cautious as it moves into a more complex news environment and discerning in its evaluation of available news sources.
To be sure, news remains an important part of public life. More than seven-in-ten U.S. adults follow national and local news somewhat or very closely – 65% follow international news with the same regularity.
Fully 81% of Americans get at least some of this news through websites, apps or social networking sites. And, this digital news intake is increasingly mobile. Among those who get news both on desktop computers and mobile devices, more than half prefer mobile.
In this digital news environment, the role of friends and family is amplified, but Americans still reveal strong ties to news organizations. The data also reinforce how, despite the dramatic changes witnessed over the last decade, the digital news era is still very much in its adolescence.
The study found television is still the major news gathering venue for most Americans with more than half preferring that medium, 38 percent go online to get news, 25 percent from radio and 20 percent still rely on newspapers for information.