Americans say keeping up with key news topics is crucial. But fewer say they’re highly informed themselves
Democrats and Republicans broadly show similar patterns in how they evaluate the importance of staying informed about various topics.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Read our research on:
Journalism
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What Americans think it takes to be a good news consumer
One of the most common things Americans associate with being a good news consumer is a sense of skepticism or discernment.
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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, up from 39% in 2019.
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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.
