The internet is now the main source of news for those in the 18-29 year-old bracket. According to the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press, the internet has, for the first time, surpassed TV as the primary news source for the demo. And, as for that “we don’t expect news viewers under 30″ mindset? Just wait. From the report:
“Among those 30 to 49, the internet is on track to equal, or perhaps surpass, television as the main source of national and international news within the next few years. Currently, 48% say the internet is their main source – up 16 points from 2007 – and 63% cite television – down eight points.”
Courtesy the Pew Research Center for People & the Press
Even in the older demo, the internet is the only area that is seeing growth. For the 50-64s, use of the internet as a primary news source is just about equal to newspaper use. And, for the first time, the internet as surpassed radio for news sources for the 65 and older crowd.
Adds Cory: I challenge local TV researchers to remove the standard screening question that asks if people already watch TV news. You’re making decisions based on a shrinking audience and missing critical new opportunities. Case in point: a recent Magid study (.pdf) revealed that 81% cited local TV news as the “most important” news source. But… the study only counted people who watch local TV news twice a week.
