Audiences are declining for traditional news media in the U.S. – with some exceptions
A declining share of U.S. adults are following the news closely, and audiences are shrinking for several older types of news media.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
A declining share of U.S. adults are following the news closely, and audiences are shrinking for several older types of news media.
In 2021, 11% of high-circulation newspapers experienced layoffs, compared with three times that share the year before (33%).
There are 245 newspaper reporters who cover the statehouse full time in 2022 in the United States, down from 374 in 2014.
Nonprofit news reporters now account for 20% of the nation’s total statehouse press corps, up from 6% eight years ago.
We asked U.S. adults whether they consider each of 13 different news outlets to be a part of the mainstream media or not.
Some 61% of U.S. adults say they follow COVID-19 news at both the national and local level equally, and 23% say they pay more attention to local news.
One-in-five U.S. adults often get news via social media, slightly higher than the 16% who often do so from print newspapers.
As of August 2017, 43% of Americans report often getting news online, just 7 points lower than the 50% who often get news on television.
A new analysis sheds light on concerns raised among pollsters that the medium by which a survey question is asked – its mode – can affect responses.
1615 L St. NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
USA
(+1) 202-419-4300 | Main
(+1) 202-857-8562 | Fax
(+1) 202-419-4372 | Media Inquiries
ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts.
© 2024 Pew Research Center