What types of news do Americans seek out or happen to come across?
About half of U.S. adults (49%) say they mostly get news because they happen to come across it today, up from 39% in 2019.
Journalism
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Local News Fact Sheet
Americans’ attention to local news has declined since 2016. Explore how people get local news today, shifting from TV and print to digital sources.
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Where do Americans turn first for information about breaking news?
When a breaking news event happens, 36% of U.S. adults say they typically turn first to their preferred news organization to get more information.
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8 facts about Americans and TikTok
In the wake of TikTok’s deal to make its U.S. operations backed largely by non-Chinese investors, here’s what we know about Americans and TikTok.
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Email Newsletters as a Source of News
Three-in-ten U.S. adults say they at least sometimes get news from newsletters, but many don’t read most of the newsletters they get.
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Majority of Americans express low confidence in journalists to act in public’s best interests
57% of U.S. adults say they have not too much (40%) or no confidence (17%) in journalists to act in the best interests of the public.
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Americans’ Complicated Relationship With News
Most say being informed is essential for voting. Yet views differ on the importance of following news – and many say they’re worn out by it.
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Video: How do young adults get their news?
Young adults under 30 are getting more news on social media, shaping how information spreads and giving us a possible glimpse into the future of news.
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Striking findings from 2025
Here’s a look back at 2025 through 12 of our most striking research findings.
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Americans are following the news less closely than they used to
In 2016, 51% of U.S. adults said they followed the news all or most of the time, but that share fell to 36% in 2025.
