Americans Learn About Their Communities Through an ‘Ecosystem’ of Local News
Nearly two-thirds (64%) of American adults use at least three different types of media every week to get news and information about their local community.
Overview Public interest in the presidential campaign showed no increase this week, despite the news media’s increasing coverage of sexual harassment allegations against Herman Cain. About one-in-five Americans (22%) say they followed news about the 2012 candidates very closely, little changed from a week earlier (21%), according to the latest weekly News Interest Index survey, […]
Overview The Penn State child sex abuse scandal topped the public’s news interest last week, but Americans also continued to closely track news about the nation’s economy. The public’s perceptions of economic news, which took a decided downturn in August, are much less negative today. Currently, 48% say they are hearing mostly bad news about […]
With additional women coming forward with sexual harassment allegations against Herman Cain, the 2012 presidential race was the No. 1 story for the second week in a row.
Tensions drove Occupy Wall Street coverage to its biggest week so far and an interview with Jerry Sandusky ushered in a second week of major coverage of Penn State’s sexual abuse scandal.
Citizens’ media habits are surprisingly varied as newspapers, TV, the internet, newsletters, and old-fashioned word-of-mouth compete for attention. Different platforms serve different audience needs.
The presidential campaign was the top story last week for the first time since mid-June, largely due to the buzz over a potential Chris Christie entrance into the GOP race. The economy followed close behind, with the emphasis on jobs, the banking industry and public unrest. And the trial of Michael Jackson’s doctor ranked among the top stories.
47% of Americans use their cellphones and tablet computers to get local news and information. Among all cellphone and tablet owners, 42% get local weather updates and 37% get material about restaurants or other local businesses on their mobile devices.
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