TV still the top source for election results, but digital platforms rise
Nearly nine-in-ten voters who followed the 2016 returns (88%) did so on TV, while 48% used online platforms; 21% used social networks such as Twitter and Facebook.
Younger adults more likely than their elders to prefer reading news
When asked whether one prefers to read, watch or listen to their news, younger adults are far more likely than older adults to opt for text – and most of that reading is occurring on the web.
Number of U.S. low-power FM radio stations has nearly doubled since 2014
A surge in new low-power FM (LPFM) community radio stations that have been licensed to join the FM airwaves is partially due to a new window for applications that the FCC opened.
More than half of smartphone users get news alerts, but few get them often
More than half of U.S. smartphone users say they get push notifications on their phones' screens, but only about half of those who ever get these alerts click through to the full story.
Newspaper companies lag behind their broadcast siblings after spinoffs
An analysis of the spinoffs shows that the broadcasting components of the original companies (which also retained many digital properties) have mostly outperformed their publishing counterparts in terms of operating profit margins.
Candidates’ social media outpaces their websites and emails as an online campaign news source
A quarter of U.S. adults (24%) turn to social media posts from either the Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump campaigns as a way of keeping up with the election, while 10% turn to their websites and 9% turn to emails.
Election 2016: Campaigns as a Direct Source of News
Today’s presidential candidates are increasingly prioritizing social media outreach, while the role of campaign websites is shifting.
The Modern News Consumer
Digital innovation has had a major impact on the public's news habits. How have these changes shaped Americans’ appetite for and attitudes toward the news?
Key findings on the traits and habits of the modern news consumer
News remains an important part of public life. But Americans are cautious as they move into today’s more complex news environment and discerning in their evaluation of available news sources.
State of the News Media 2016
The past year brought pressures to America’s newspaper newsrooms not seen since the Great Recession. From broadcast to print to digital and more, this year’s annual report takes stock of the state of the news media.
